In 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Paul recites some practical advantages to being single. Spiritually speaking, the single person and the married person have no advantage over each other since no one is spiritually superior because of their marital condition. Paul is saying here that single people have some practical advantages that married people do not have.

He is saying that if you are single you should rejoice in it! In verse 25, he tells us, clearly, that this is his personal counsel and not a command from the Lord. Paul is also saying that when two people are bound together in marriage, problems of human nature are multiplied.

Another reason the Apostle Paul gives us for exercising the gift of celibacy is the shortness of time (see vv. 29-34). Although God ordained marriage and blesses marriage, marriage is not an eternal relationship. Jesus said in Matthew 22:30, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage.” Marriage is designed only for this world.

Both for the single and the married, he’s reminding us that life is short, so we shouldn’t let sorrow eat us up. Don’t let your problems be the focus of your life. Focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers must learn to be content in whatever condition and situation they are. You’re unhappy in your job? You’re unhappy in your marriage? Remember, God put you there. He has a purpose and He has a plan for you; figure out what it is. Learn to love God and love His kingdom above everything else and above everybody else. Learn to put God first in your life.

Prayer: God, help me to be content with where You have me today. Help me to focus on You and not my circumstances. Amen.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. —Philippians 4:12