The scriptural reference that was mentioned is: I Corinthians 7. I would highly recommend a review of this chapter for anyone interested in the topics of marriage, divorce, and singleness.
I Corinthians 7: 8-9 (NIV)reads: Now to the unmarried and the widow I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Your singleness is important to God. For when you are single, your attention can be solely on the Lord and fellowship with him. It is important for single women (myself included) to remember that in the divine order of things, God must be first. Why? Because His name is Jealous (Exodus 34:14).
When you are able to have an intimate relationship with the Father, and submit to Him, then you will be positioned to bear the fruit of the Spirit--including love (Galations 5:22), and will be more able to willingly submit (Ephesians 5: 22) to your earthly authorities.
Check out the Word of God on the unmarried:
"I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs--how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world--how he can please his wife---and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world--how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way to undivided devotion to the Lord." (I Corinthians 7: 32-35)
Now, what the apostle, Paul, was talking about here isn't about choosing one lifestyle (being married or single) over another. What he is saying is that there is a right order. The right order is God first....and remember that in Matthew 6:33, it is written "Seek ye first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." What are "these things"? They are all other desires of your heart. Put God first. Allow Him to order your life.
Remember, as a believer, you are to be holy. In Colossians 3: 2-6 it says: " Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God....Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your eartly nature: sexual immortality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming...[so you must be rid of such things and] put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" God really wants you to be a woman/man in relationship with Him first. That's why He wants you to be holy, and have your mind focused on Him. When you do that (through reading His Holy Word), and remain submitted to God in prayer, then you will understand the answers to the questions you've posed.
Allow God to become your first love. Why? Because He loved you first. (I John 4:19). Once you do that, you'll be blessed in "all things" beyond belief.
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I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)
[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited December 01, 2000).]
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