I was just told last night-the eve of Valentine’s Day-that today is Singles Awareness Day. The moniker-SAD-is not a good one. I know that VD is not the favorite of many, especially those who are single. Whether by a conscious choice of their own volition or a choice they had no control over, it is a day which makes them think they are not valuable. God says differently. But that is another subject for another time.
After reading the Feb. 15 devotion of New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp, I was left with some thoughts. They give rise to the idea that being single is not a good idea. Hear me out, please, before you want to hunt me down and “shoot me like a duck.” Movie reference there. 🙂
His thoughts first: There are two lies Adam and Eve believed.
- The lie of autonomy. This lie says we are independent beings with the right to live as we wish.
- The lie of self-sufficiency. I have everything I need within myself to be what I was created to be and to do what I was designed to do.
My thoughts: the idea of individualism still permeates our thinking today. We still believe the ancient lie that we are enough. Take those lies apart and look at them individually.
- The lie of autonomy. I need no one else and you can’t tell me what to do. I make up my own rules and I can believe and do as I want. Can you say our culture as a whole? Can you say progressive Christianity? No rules. I’ll do as I please.
- The lie of self-sufficiency. “You have it within yourself.” Sounds like the gobbledygook of Oprah, et al. Sounds like the self-help movement. Sounds like the prosperity gospel.
Both are lies from the pit of hell. It is okay to be single-single in life and single-minded. It is not okay to be autonomous and self-sufficient and think as a Christ-follower you need no one else.
What do you think?
“Father, help me to see and remember I need others. I am not an island devoid of human interaction and relationships. And help me to never think I don’t need You.”
True thoughts, indeed, Bill. “It is not good for man to be alone” comes to mind. We are created for relationship, that’s for sure.
Blessings!
Good take on it Martha. Thanks
I think both your points are right on.
To add my thoughts…
1) to assume that you can make your own rules, do as I say – not as I do… Is an elitist mindset that continues to permeate our society with a foul stench… Pulling no punches here…
2) To believe the lie of self-sufficiency is really to believe in stagnation and rot. One cannot grow by themselves, they will only decay.
Jesus is the ultimate, and really the only cultivator… The one that has provided the resources we need to grow, to mature, and to produce fruit. To believe that we can self-propagate, self-nourish, self-weed, etc.. is nothing more than an illusion. –KO
You definitely delivered a KO there my friend. Great thoughts coming back to me.
I’m not shooting anyone. I’ve been single for 55 years. I’m not saying I observe Singles Day, or any other day really. The idea that the hand can function without the arm is absurd. That being said I believe some that think singles need to be with, or find “someone special” is not seeing God’s plan in an individual’s life. Perhaps they were never meant to be married (referencing Paul), but singles need people in their lives (not necessarily the opposite sex).
I’m safe then with you not shooting me. 🙂 I agree that some choose to be single and live a very fulfilled life. My oldest is single and is a fantastic person. I personally think someone missed out but I might be a tad biased. Life is what you make it-married or single. But I do agree we all need someone.