Divine Design: God's Complementary Roles for Men and Women by John MacArthur

Author:John MacArthur [Macarthur, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Christian Living, Dating & Relationships, Marriage, Social Issues, Theology, Anthropology, Religion & Spirituality, John MacArthur, Men, Divine Design, Gender Roles, Christian, Women, Household
ISBN: 0781405882
Amazon: B005UG7TZS
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2010-01-01T22:00:00+00:00

Some Christians aren’t married because they have a special gift of God and are uniquely prepared by the Holy Spirit for singleness. People who have the gift of celibacy enjoy being single and are not tempted to fall into sexual sin or become preoccupied with marriage. When the rare exception arises, they are able to control it quickly. Jesus alluded to the gift when He said, “There are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:12). The last group of single persons Jesus mentioned decided not to marry so they could fully serve the Lord and His kingdom. First Corinthians 7 clarifies that the ability to make that decision is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Many pressures face single people in today’s society, especially when considering the current emphasis on marriage and the family. It has been said that loneliness for single people is at its height during the holiday season, especially for single parents. But you don’t have to feel that way. If God has given you the gift of singleness, accept that as His plan. Since He is a loving and all-wise God, He has your best interests at heart.

What If You Don’t Think You Have the Gift?

In 1 Corinthians 7:8 Paul addressed the “unmarried” (a term best understood in this context to refer to divorced individuals) and widows. In saying, “It is good for them if they remain even as I,” he identified with them rather than with “virgins” (v. 25, individuals who have never been married). It is likely Paul was a widower. In verse 9 he admitted that whether previously married or not, it can be too difficult for some people to remain single: “If they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

Those who believe they don’t have the gift of singleness can become frustrated when they can’t seem to find a marriage partner. If you’re in that situation, don’t be preoccupied with your predicament, but focus on the Lord’s kingdom. Here’s why: The best way to find the right person is to be the right person. If you are living a righteous life and you do not have the gift of singleness, rest assured that God will provide a partner for you. How could He want you to be married and yet not provide a partner?

Once you find the right person and decide to marry, be sure to do it fairly soon because of the temptation you’ll face. As Paul said, “It is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Marriage was designed to help you be fulfilled sexually. The practical problems of an early marriage are not nearly as serious as the danger of immorality. I’m not advocating that you jump into marriage to gratify your sexual desire, but realize there is no advantage to long engagements.

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