"I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I" (1 Corinthians 7:8). Paul wrote this message by the Spirit to the saints of God in Corinth. He made that statement in a context in which he was answering some of their questions about marriage (7:1). When he stated that it is good for others to remain like him, he apparently means that it was good for them to remain single and not marry (1 Corinthians 7:6; 9:5).

Why is it "good" not to marry? In the context of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is simply making the point that unmarried Christians can sometimes avoid matters that can be distracting and disruptive to those brothers and sisters that are married. All that we read in this chapter must be read in view of what is recorded in verse 26: "I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be." There was some kind of situation at that time in that region which he called "the present distress." Some circumstances existed that made it trying times for children of God, especially for those that were married.

In view of the distress of that day (the brethren in Corinth surely knew just what Paul was talking about), the Holy Spirit through Paul went on to say, "He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife" (7:33,34). Paul writes here about two groups of Christians: (1) those that are married, and (2) those that are not married. His statements indicate that an unmarried saint is focused on serving and pleasing the Lord, but a married brother cares about the affairs of life and pleasing his wife. Obviously, pleasing the Lord is more important than pleasing mere humans (Galatians 1:10). That which Paul desired for each of them, regardless of whether they were single or married, was to please the Lord.

But, those statements about unmarried folks pleasing the Lord, and married people focusing more on pleasing their mate – these have to be taken as generalities, and they must be considered in view of "the present distress" that seemed to put a special strain on the marriages of God’s people. Is it not possible that a single brother or sister could become entangled with the affairs of life (2 Timothy 2:4) and leave his/her first love? (Revelation 2:4). Sure it is. So, being single is not the key to faithful service. The key to faithful service, whether one is single or married, is having the good treasure of a faithful heart (Luke 6:45; 8:15).

Again, is it not possible for a married disciple of Jesus to be righteous? Peter was a godly married man (1 Corinthians 9:5). What about Aquilla and Pruscilla, who were married to one another? They were faithful, were they not? The Lord instructs Christian husbands and wives to be devoted both to one another and to Him, so it is possible for married saints to serve Him faithfully. Married disciples of Jesus may need to have more "family time" than a single person does, but that does not distract them from serving the Lord, unless they willfully neglect working for Him.

While some religious people propagate the notion that the most devoted servants of Jesus are surely those that choose to remain single and "totally" give themselves to His Cause, the truth is, Jesus expects every true follower of His to forsake everything and everybody for Him (Luke 14:33). That forsaking, which takes place in a person’s mind, however, does not require him/her to remain single.

Here is another thought. When it comes to the rulers of a local church, what kind of men does the Lord want serving as overseers? Answer: Faithful, married brothers (1 Timothy 3:2-5). If God requires that the shepherds of His flock, those that lead and must take care of the flock, be married men, then that kind of knocks out the idea that unmarried Christians are superior servants, does it not?! Man’s wisdom sometimes says that the best arrangement is for single people to be leaders. Yet God’s wisdom says that the only acceptable arrangement is for married people (brothers) to lead, that is, function as pastors. That is a big difference, would you not agree?

Some single saints are more faithful than those that are married. But, sometimes the opposite is true. In order to be saved and be counted as a faithful follower of Jesus, God neither requires nor forbids His children to marry. Married is honorable (Hebrews 13:4), and most Christians choose to marry, which is their prerogative. Other members of the church choose not to marry. For them, that, too, can be a good choice. Whether you are married or single may save or cost you money on your taxes, but it will not determine your eternal destiny.

-- Roger D. Campbell