Today we read in the One Year Bible from 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. And Paul makes it pretty clear that he thinks it's better to stay single than to get married. He gives several reasons, the biggest that if we are single, we can focus on serving God without being distracted by our "earthly concerns". And he does make a good point.
If that's all the Bible said on the matter, many more Christians would probably stay single. But you can't just take one passage on a subject and think that's what the Bible says on the matter, especially when another passage says just the opposite. In Genesis, we read that God said, "It is not good for man to be alone" and sent Adam a wife. So we see there are two different thoughts on the matter.
So which is it? Should we stay single and focus on God, even though He said it's not good for man to be alone?
Well, both are true. And they apply to different people. Some of us ARE called to be single, and to focus our lives entirely on doing God's work without worrying so much about raising a family (though, it must be pointed out that loving your spouse and raising a family IS doing God's work.) Others are called to get married and serve God in that way.
Which are you called to? Well, if you're married, you're called to marriage. If you're single, you still need to discern. Ask God to show you what you should do. Seek His will, and ask Him to make it clear to you. He'll usually tell you through your desires. But if you desire marriage AND you desire to enter religious life (like a priest or nun), then you have to figure out which one He wants you to do. He's not playing games with you... He'll show you which one it is. Just trust Him, and remember that He takes His time. He'll make it clear eventually. Just keep praying and seeking Him, and you'll see what He wants.
God, thank You for calling all of us to love and serve You... and helping us find how to do so.
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