Temptations & Singleness …

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my single friends. Some truly believe they are called to singleness and they serve with great joy in their position. Most long for a mate and pray accordingly (even as they strive to be content in all things).

I continue to whole-heartedly recommend Solo Femininity as the best (most gospel-infused, cross-centered, wise, winsome) blog out there for Christian singles (and for those of us who love them and long for them to experience all of the joys and blessings and responsibilities of the covenant family!).

And I pray that my single friends will avoid pitfalls and temptations like:

1. Making an idol out of marriage (i.e., valuing it too much; thinking it was “satisfy” and “complete” those inner longings within);

2. Giving in to sexual sin (“it’s just a kiss,” “It feels so good, I don’t care that it’s sin,” “I know God will forgive me once we’re married”).

3. Rejecting the counsel and oversight of friends and family. (If you “don’t even want to talk about” any concerns that your friends and family members have with your romantic life/interest, there is a BIG PROBLEM. This is a RED FLAG that something is seriously wrong.)

4. Being willing to COMPROMISE “because he’s such a great guy.” (Thinking he’ll “grow up” and “be a good Christian husband” once you’re married–even though there is very little if not NO fruit that would so indicate in his life currently.)

5. Sacrificing friendship on the altar of your romantic relationship. (Trust me–friendship is important. Don’t give up on lifelong friends just because the thrill of an eros relationship is taking so much of your time and energy and emotion. Work hard to maintain your friendships!)

OK. That’s off of my chest. Back to work now–

Well … after I say this …

You know, I have been with Fred (in a formal courtship) since December of 1993. If the Lord tarries and neither of us dies, we will have been married for 12 years this coming August. I love him more and more and MORE every single day. He is the kindest person I have ever known. He is a man of integrity, service, intelligence, mercy–and he’s super cute too! 🙂

Many times I SHUDDER when I think about “what could have been.” How I could have married a worldly, selfish man; or a rude and demeaning man; or a performance-oriented fraud. But instead, God graciously gave me a man who will never love me more than he loves God; and who will always love me more than he loves himself. A churchman–he loves the Bride! The world’s BEST papa. A better friend than I could have EVER imagined could even EXIST for me.

This is what I pray for my single friends.
 And I PRAY that they will not compromise in their dating/courting years.
(Better to be lonely and single than lonely in marriage!)

Remember! God is for His children.
And He is mighty to save.
Compassionate.
Forgiving.
Holy. Just.
And Kind.

I’m off to the gym now.

Love ya, bunches!
— Tara B.