Author: Mike Shaughnessy, from the Servants of the Word, an international, ecumenical brotherhood of men living single for the Lord.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he writes, “I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:26-27)
Really? Did Paul actually mean, "Do not seek a wife? Forego marriage. Stay single."? Paul, the apostle, the most famous convert in history did not marry in order to serve the Lord alone. And in this passage he confronts us with a serious call, saying: "Given the times, I recommend that those who are not married, stay single."
Is your first response to think, "He couldn't really mean that." There must be a way to interpret this so it doesn't really mean what it says.
We want to escape thinking about, even thinking about, foregoing marriage for any reason.
This meditation is not going to answer the question: did Paul really mean that? It asks a deeper question, a very personal one. Ask yourself this: "Why do I want to avoid even thinking about sacrificing everything, yes everything, for the sake of the Lord?" That's the real issue, isn't it? Wrestle with it until you can say, my life is yours Lord, do with me as you will!" Really!
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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