/ HUSBAND

Those who are single involuntarily must still worship the Lord, must still love Him, must still live productive lives in the church, and so on. The one thing they must not do is try to talk themselves into the view that singleness is a positive ideal like sunshine and upland meadows. It is a trial, and nothing is served by pretending it isn’t a trial. So here is my suggestion. I think we ought to agree together than young men ought to be expected to find somebody cute and godly by their 23rd birthday. –Douglas Wilson

1 TIM 6:6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,  7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,  15which he will display at the proper time--he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,  16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 

4 THINGS THE CHURCH CAN DO TO ENGAGE THIS INCREDIBLE ASSET Look at their heart and abilities instead of their ring finger Create space for them within the church body Develop them (mentorship; discipleship) Resource and release them

6 THNGS UNMARRIED CAN DO, NOW. Build yourself up in the Lord (Purity, knowledge of the Word, dedicated prayer time…) Don’t be flakey. Develop your reputation now as dependable and consistent. Quit the Bigger/Better search. It only leads to Bigger disappointments and Bitter feelings. Serve GOD AND OTHERS; GROW COMMUNITY Go boldly and do bold things for the Kingdom and others. Give out of a radical generosity. Learn contentment

3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT UNMARRIED PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE Don’t make their lives tougher through hoops and distractions that you feel then need to prove themselves through Encourage them Advise them don’t condemn them Walk with them