I hate this idea that is going around in our society and in Christian culture that everyone has to get married.
Our purpose in life is not to be married.
We were made to glorify God - to know Him and make Him known.
And guess what society? You can do that with out a husband.
My goal in life, the reason I exist, is to magnify Jesus in the world around me. I don't exist to serve my husband. I don't exist to have kids. I don't exist to buy a house. I exist for the glory of God.
And you know what? It hurts my feelings when you tell me otherwise.
I was recently at a bridal shower for a dear friend. Bridal showers are hard for me as a single woman. Sometimes because it makes me realize I don't have husband, but usually it's hard for me because everyone else realizes I don't have a husband and wants to fix that.
But I'm not broken.
Singleness is not something you fix. It's something you embrace.
I have the privilege of serving God unhindered. I don't have to check with anyone if I want to go on a mission trip, or stay out late with students, or give money. I don't have to give my body to another person, but can use it fully as my spiritual act of worship to God (Rom 12:1)
I'm not wrong. Singleness is not wrong.
In fact, Paul says he wishes that all could remain single just as he did. (1 Cor 7)
Singleness is a blessing, not a curse.
So married friends, don't pray I would get married. Pray that I would know the grace of God more fully.
Don't encourage me that "your day is coming soon". Encourage me in my service to God.
When I mention something about marriage, don't console me. Point me to the gospel - that's the purpose of marriage right?
Don't see me just for my lack of spouse. But see me as your sister in Christ.
Help me see Jesus in your marriage. Help me see Jesus in my singleness. Help me see Jesus period.
Linking up with these amazing women:
We are THAT family, Women Living Well, Good Morning Girls Thought Provoking Thursdays, Imperfect Prose, Life in Bloom, Thoughtful Thursdays,
I hear your heart in this post, Angi. You are right -- you are not wrong and I will pray that we would all know God's grace more fully.
ReplyDeleteWell said!! Thanks for pointing out this truth Angi. You ROCK. This challenges me to always encourage people no matter their season to pursue Jesus and glorify God-not value what the world says.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your gentle and firm truth here as a woman of God.
Carly I just adore you! Thanks for being so encouraging! (PS you are one of the most encouraging married ladies I know!)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jen! I appreciate you! :)
ReplyDeletegreat words here...Oh how I wish more young ladies could live in this space. My daughter was very content with her singlehood. to be honest she felt judged by some because she wasn’t miserable. As christians we put so much on being married...and if a woman is content or really doesn’t have a strong desire to get married...people feel something is wrong. I applaud you and pray you continue to grow into the woman God has for you to be. blessings~
ReplyDeletewoohoo!!! you are so awesome angi! preach it sister :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ro! You are so encouraging to me! I pray your daughter grows in her walk with the Lord as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks sweet friend! You're wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh girl, you are so kind! :) I adore you!
ReplyDeleteBam! We need more people like you Angi.
ReplyDeleteI just found your new blog! I guess I am behind...but not anymore! This is great, I totally agree! Marriage absolutely points us to the gospel! I just wrote about that today: http://becomingher.com/pinterest-weddings-previewing-heaven/
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