Single and Devoted

By Jesse LeMay

                From the very beginning God knew that it “is not good for man to be alone” and so He created Eve to be a helper (Genesis 2:18). Marriage should be just that; husband and wife helping one another be faithful and holy in their service to bring glory to God. While marriage is a beautiful and mutually assisting union from God, that does not mean that being single is a bad thing. Sadly, many people paint a dreary picture of being single. In fact, there are some aspects of the unmarried life which can actually be of more benefit. Most believe the Apostle Paul was part of the single crowd. Knowing God’s design and purpose of marriage, he wrote on the topic several times; however, he also wrote about the positives of being single in his first letter to the church in Corinth.

                In addressing an apparent question the Christians there had about marriage, Paul would go on to say that the unmarried person is “free from concern” of pleasing one’s spouse, and in turn is “concerned about the things of the Lord” (7:32-34). Marriage is wonderful and should be a bond which is concerned with serving God and helping the other get to heaven. However, being married requires time and effort to be put into caring for the other person. Being single means freedom from those duties, thus allowing the Christian to focus on their “undistracted devotion to the Lord” (7:35).

                Both the single and married life can be equally glorifying to God. If you are looking for a spouse, choose one you believe will help you in your Christian walk, knowing that marriage is a life-long commitment (7:39). Meanwhile, utilize the chances you have to serve God with eagerness and an “undistracted devotion.” Spend more time in studying God’s word. Search for ways to volunteer your time and talents for the Lord. Look for opportunities to fellowship with other Christians, married and single alike. Maybe even talk to others about forming a singles group, where unmarried adults of all ages can meet and spend time together. God said it was not good for man to be “alone,” but he did not say “single.” As part of the Lord’s body you are never alone. Whether married or single, we should all be “concerned about the things of the Lord.”

Leading with Humility

By Jesse LeMay

                Those who strive to be an example and lead the way for others can at times find themselves not knowing exactly what to do. This is true for those who lead in the business world, in their homes, in their faithful and godly conduct, and certainly in the church. Pressure, expectations, and unforeseen events can mount causing one to feel overwhelmed. Such potential stress may cause a person not to want to be a leader in the first place. Furthermore, if one is already trying to lead the way for others, these and other factors might create a desire to give up, to stop being a leader. If one has never felt this way, then they are most likely too prideful to recognize the weight of their responsibility. Thus, humility is a quality that is necessary in good leadership.

                It could be argued that perhaps Abraham Lincoln faced the greatest challenge and responsibility of any other President this country has ever had. His job was to lead this nation during a time when opposing factions battled daily to tear it apart. There were no doubt times when the task seemed impossible, and improbable at best. One of those times came after the Union Army suffered another terrible loss at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August of 1862. Shortly thereafter, President Lincoln, in his humbleness, stated: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day” (586, The American Patriots Bible). Lincoln recognized that the knowledge and abilities of men were not enough. He had the humility to know that something greater was needed, and that something was God.

                President Lincoln was not only humble in knowing that he needed to turn to God, but also in understanding the importance of his role of leading other people. Many lives were in his hands, as well as the state of our country. His actions displayed that he knew that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 3:6). Being a leader of any kind can be a lot to deal with at times. However, if he or she possesses humility, trusts in God, and puts the needs of others first, then no task is too big to overcome.