Finding Family as a Single Adult

The Bible begins with marriage and ends with marriage.

That ought to tell us something about the importance God places on it. He’s infused it with profound meaning, both as a cultural institution and as one of the most significant relationships we can experience. It’s the bedrock of God’s design for families.

So where does that leave singles?

Throughout the Bible we’re reminded that God created us for community. No one is meant to be alone.

But that doesn’t mean that everyone has to be married. Singleness shouldn’t be equated with isolation or feeling like you’re sitting in the stands watching real life take place on the field without you.

God’s plan for you if you’re single is that you maximize your “now” while you anticipate your “later.” Waiting for God to make a move on your behalf can be wise. But as my friend Lisa Anderson says, “It’s easier for God to steer something when it’s moving.”

Part of what she means is that your life as a single should be part waiting on God and part taking the initiative to embrace and enjoy life. How can you do that in a way that moves you forward in life and deepens your faith in Christ?

First, recognize that now is the time to prepare yourself for marriage and to pursue it intentionally. There’s no virtue in stumbling into a marriage. Do you want to marry a mature, wise person with good character? Then be a mature, wise person with good character.

Second, remember that community is crucial. None of us are meant to be alone. Plug into your church and your family and friends. You can enjoy life-giving relationships, but you have to put in some work to cultivate them.

Finally, don’t wait for life to begin. Get involved now. Start making friends and serving others. You have unique opportunities as a single adult that you wouldn’t have if you were married with children. So get out there and use the skills, talents, and gifts God has given you.

We’ll help you understand in practical, everyday terms how to live a fulfilling single life on our broadcast “Finding Family as a Single Adult.” (Listen on your local radio station, online, on iTunes, via Podcast, or on our free phone app.)

Lisa Anderson is joining us to challenge singles to build full lives by connecting with others and finding ways to serve. She’ll offer solid advice about how singles can trust God while pursuing marriage as intentionally as they would a career or finding a home.

Lisa is the director of our Boundless community for singles, which reaches around 2 million people a year through podcasts and a thriving online community. For 20 years, Boundless has encouraged and equipped 20 and 30-something singles in their personal relationships and in their journeys with God.

Lisa has written a wonderful book called The Dating Manifest: A Drama-Free Plan for Pursuing Marriage with Purpose, which helps singles navigate dating and singleness in a biblical and intentional way.

It’s available in our online store, but right now for a gift of any amount, we’ll send you a copy. (Check our website for details.)

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith, family, marriage, relationships September 6, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura