"So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better."

Paul teaches us what is proper, and what is life’s meaning: It is good to marry. You do well. It is better to remain unmarried, so you can serve the Lord undistracted. 1 Corinthians 7:35, "Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but because of what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction."

Our lusts make us esteem marriage as the cure for problems. We believe it satisfies our sexual desire, and gives us companionship. We also see the beauty and the benefits of raising a family. These things are good and true, but they are not the meaning of life or the source of happiness.

Happiness is self control, and doing God’s will. If two believers burn, then let them marry. Marriage between burning saints is blessed, and God ordained. You do well. Yet, serving Christ wholeheartedly without distraction is the ideal, if you can.

1 Corinthians 7:26, "Therefore I consider this to be good because of the present distress: It is good for a man to remain as he is."

1 Corinthians 7:28, "However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you."

The unmarried don’t have family responsibilities, and can devote themselves to Christ only. God gives us self-control and contentment! He gives the thrill of serving others and advancing the kingdom. He gives the joy of communion with himself.

These things ought to be valued and pursued, but they are not. We preoccupy ourselves with marriage, as if it will satisfy us. Then, the kingdom suffers, and so do we. We get secondary happiness that’s not in the Spirit. We go to church, but there is no thrill or red hot passion. Why? It is because we don’t pursue God and abandon ourselves to being fruitful. We even spread the gospel online to find a spouse. We live shallow self-centered lives.

I spoke to someone recently who is bored with life…tired of it. I too get tired of the meaninglessness. The remedy? Go to God, and CONFESS YOUR SINS. Confess your boredom and selfishness. Confess your anger and frustration. Confess your weariness in serving him.

Numbers 11:14, "I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me."

Let him revive you by the Spirit through the word. Let him answer you honestly by showing you his glory. Then, you will have heart strength to honor him, and your joy will be full. Otherwise, we’re seeking happiness where it can’t be found.

Of course, two believers, like Pricilla and Aquila can be all out for Christ. They are commended. This is a happy marriage. Nothing has changed, however; it is all about Christ, but now with someone else.

1 Corinthians 7:29 — "This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,"

This is partnership and true companionship. Let us seek this: If passionate burning happens while we mutually serve Christ, then marry! If not, then keep on pursuing the joy of the kingdom, trusting Christ and his will to be sufficient…trusting him not to let you down, and to be more satisfying than anything on earth.

First, “he who marries a virgin.” Marry another believer. It is hard, but be patient. Wait on someone God sends, and evangelize until then. Don’t rush into marriage to solve your boredom. Don’t think lusts will kill you. They will not. When God gives you someone, then great. If not, then he has wisely withheld for his own reasons. He loves us more than we do, and he always has something better, which is himself! Let us be content with a spouse who knows God.

A virgin is any unmarried believer. We are spotless and clean. If the unbelieving spouse departed, then we’re called to peace. There is no shame, and we can remarry. Let no man condemn you.

1 Corinthians 7:15 — "But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace."

Secondly, “he who does not marry.” If we have self-control, then great! Don’t feel pressured into marriage, “so you can do ministry.” Don’t marry because it’s expected of you.

No, controlling yourself is good, but go all the way: Do not be sexually immoral. Do not manipulate people. It is OK to say, “I’m interested in you, but I’m not sure.” It is also Ok to say, “Sister/Brother, I love you in Christ, but I don’t want to marry.” You have not sinned, and you don’t owe marriage to anyone.

Let your actions be pure, and know your heart. Are you using someone, or being honest?

Thirdly, “does even better.” You do better because you serve the Lord more freely! "You may serve the Lord without distraction."

This isn’t about pride. “Aha, I’m like Paul. I can control myself. I’m better than others.” No, this is about waking up with Christ, and going to bed with him. It is about giving yourself to missions and the church. It is having more time to pray, search the Scriptures, and spend time with the Lord. It is about devotion to his will.

The single life is not better because you have more time for yourself! It’s only in living for Christ that we experience the joy, as we serve sincerely from the heart.