The Church and Age Segregation, Part 3

April, 2003

by: Jeff Jones

In my past few Calvary Review articles, I have been attempting to build a case for less segregation in the church and more “trans–generational” fellowship. So, in this article we will discuss the group called “singles.”

Singles get a hard time in Christian communities, wouldn't you say? Since I am in the category of “single” I know this from experience. I can't count the number of times I've heard things like, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” (Prov 18:22) “…so, when are you gonna obtain favor from God? Do you want to be cursed or blessed?” Or, “the reason you aren't married yet is because there is some sin in your life.” For some reason single people are treated like there is something wrong with them because they are “unmarried.”

Well, there are some things you need to know about being single and why it really isn't that bad. First, singleness is the more “heavenly” state. Proof: Jesus said there is nomarriage in heaven (see Matt 22:30), thus being single is close to being an angel. Second, singles have advantages that no married person has. Paul said to the Corinthians, “I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and his interests are divided. This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord” (1 Cor 7:32-35). Singles, among all others, can devote the most time and energy to the Lord. This is a good thing. Thus, single people are among the church's greatest resources.