Since its February, I think I’m going to indulge a little bit in my favourite topic, relationships.
I once believed in the quote in my title like it was the gospel. Then one day I thought, ‘wait a minute, says who?’ I mean a partner is not a trophy of complete devotion to God or something to be earned by diligence. What does it mean to be satisfied? It means to be content and pleased. What is contentment? To be in a state of comfort and happiness. It is not impossible for a person to be in this state with Christ, however it brings a sense of disappointment to a single person who finds themself desiring a relationship/marriage. Also it begs the question of why people who are seemingly half-hearted in their walk, or not in Christ at all, are in relationships and getting married. This is even more sad for a Christian single wondering whether they are not satisfied enough or pleasing God enough.
Let’s take it back to Genesis, we see in chapter 2 vs 18 it says ‘The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’ This tells us something in black and white ‘it is not good for man to be alone.’ We as human desire interaction and company with others, it is not abnormal, we desire a partner, to be loved and cared for, it is not good for us to be alone. Issues arise however when our desires become desperation and we put a human where God should be. Issues arise when we take our eyes off Christ in search of a man or woman to do for us what only He can. Worship of relationships and the opposite sex is not God’s intention. When that begins to happen it is good for man to be alone because man is not mature enough yet. Marriage is not to be earned at a particular moment or because of a particular deed, God will grant the gift of marriage by His grace and in His time, not because of anything we do but because the time is right for Him.
Although sometimes from a good and loving place, relationship advice for Christian singles can really be maladaptive. Patience is all that is needed. Patience and trust in God alone that His will and His will only, will be done. It is by no means always easy, I’ve had my fair share of ‘yes I am satisfied, being single is cool, I’m enjoying my life’ aswell as ‘Lord, but where is my boo?’ God sees me through it all though, gentle reminders to be patient and revelations keep me going. Yes it is good to listen to advice, thats what got Ruth to where she was afterall, but ultimately God knows and listening to Him, maybe through others and/or maybe not is best.
Well said.