5 Ways to Enjoy Singleness

Why is it that young Christians look at “singleness” as a bad thing? It’s a long lonely period when we pray that God sends us the one we’ve been begging for. For many, there’s nothing more to life but work/school, church and home. Some are afraid of enjoying singleness due to fear of sinning, while others may be afraid of falling into temptation once more; but who wants to live a boring life until they get married? Here are a few ways to experience the “Turn Up” and remain in the will of God.
1. Hang out- During singleness, it’s important that you surround yourself with like-minded individuals and HANG OUT! Hanging out doesn’t mean going to clubs, drinking, and smoking; but going to the show, throwing/hosting parties, bowling, skating, visiting a close state, going downtown and the list goes on! HAVE FUN! Enjoy the world that God has created; but choose wisely with whom and where you hang!
2. Date yourself- In the courting and marriage stage, it becomes a little difficult to enjoy “ME” time. During your singleness is the perfect opportunity to “date yourself”. Dating yourself allows you to learn more about you. What type of movies do you like, what are your favorite activates, identify your pet peeves, what are your goal? Learning about yourself will prepare you for courting and marriage. You’ll have a greater sense of self, providing the opportunity to clearing articulate who you are, what you are about, and what it is you desire in a mate.
3. Create a Bucket list- In relationships, you give up “I” for “we”; in singleness, its all about ME, ME, ME, ME, ME! Creating a bucket list allows you to enjoy everything YOU want to experience. Marriage is about compromise, right? So, there will be things you have a great desire to do, but your partner may not. This problem can be solved in your singleness! Ride the giant rollercoaster, go hiking, travel to Africa; do whatever it is you’d be disappointed if your significant other refused to do.
4. Join or Create a ministry- With lesser expectations and responsibilities, it’s easier for singles to devote themselves to the Lord’s kingdom; not to say you can’t in marriage, but it becomes more difficult. Singleness is the perfect opportunity to serve others (which is a great lesson before courtship and marriage). Plus, the word of God clearly states where our efforts are to be directed in singleness and marriage:
1 Corinthians 7:34 An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit….
5. Get closer to God- With nothing and no one fighting for your attention, give it all to God. LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE! I love this quote by Maya Angelou “A woman’s heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.” To hide your heart in God, you MUST spend time with him. This is the time to get up close and personal, grow spiritually, learn what parts of you are not pleasing to him and perhaps catch a glimpse of your “future”.
In Dr. Monroe’s “Myths of Singleness” video (YouTube), he discusses the importance of developing yourself while single, as it will determine what you bring into your marriage. He reminds us that life begins long before marriage; it begins in your singleness. I urge every single Christian to embrace everyday of their single season, because it’s time you will NEVER get back. Marriage and dating will come, and when it does what will you have to offer?