Tuscaloosa Pastor On Being A Single Christian These Days

One of our favorite Townsquare Media contributors, Scott McCown, the minister at Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, has some interesting thoughts on a multitude of topics.

Get our free mobile app

"Brother" Scott (as we all call him around here) has great insights and angles that help you think about something in ways you've never thought about it before.

Take this opportunity to enjoy his take on topics that open our eyes to new and wonderful revelations.

Brother, Scott that is, what say you?

After forty years in ministry (8 years in Youth Ministry and 32 years preaching), over 3,300 sermons preached, there were sermons on marriage, family, and children. Yet, I must admit, very few (fewer than 10) sermons have been about being single as a Christian. The hidden curriculum of this omission is the untruth that singles are lesser Christians and are not valuable in the Kingdom. Or the falsehood that it is sinful to remain single. Preachers and churches – are we guilty of disservice to fellow Christians who are single?

Get our free mobile app

Let me make a general observation: There are MANY non-married Christians. Christians who are widows or divorcees. There are some who have never married, whether by choice or by circumstance.  

Paul, as an apostle and inspired by the Holy Spirit, writes to both married and unmarried Christians in 1 Corinthians 7. Paul writes about being unmarried (cf. 1Co 7:7-8). That could indicate that Paul never married. However, if Paul was a voting member of the Sanhedrin, tradition suggests that marriage was required.  Since he writes about being single, is he saying he is a widower or divorced? No matter why, he is single as he writes to the church in Corinth.  

Jesus taught about choosing to be single. The context of Matt 19:11-12 is marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In that context, Jesus says that some choose singleness for the Kingdom; in other words, they choose a spiritual life over a physical one.

Back to the apostle Paul, who talks about events that are current in his context and single Christians. Paul says, given the current environment of that day, that he thinks it is “better to remain unmarried” (cf. 1Co 7:25-28). They faced persecution, wars, violence, cultural expectations, and many other hardships. You might be thinking, “Wow! That sounds like cultural shifts today.” You aren’t wrong.  Maybe for some, it is better to remain unmarried today.

Scott, what is your POINT?

My point is: being a Single Christian is NOT a Sin - remaining single does not make you a second-class Christian. Remember, Paul was single, as far as we know, Mary and Martha were single, and Jesus Christ was single. You are in good company! 

However, I would not be doing my job if I did not give warnings to those who are single and those who may consider remaining single.

First, temptation is real (cf. 1Co 7:9). Understand temptation and resist. There is pressure in the world to be part of a couple. Also, loneliness is real. I am not talking about solitude, but depression that leads to ineffectiveness. And there is the possibility of becoming self-centered. As a single adult, you are responsible for yourself and may become too self-focused. And that can lead to not seeing the needs and concerns of others. 

There are many benefits to being a single Christian (cf. 1Co 7:29-35). Because you are free from certain responsibilities like a spouse, in-laws, and children. You are free from their schedules, caring for them, and providing for them. This provides you freedom to serve Christ in special ways. Maybe you can do more for others. Your schedule might help you become more mission-focused because you are more available to travel. 

Are you an unmarried Christian? Be aware of the dangers – temptation, loneliness, self-centeredness. Use your availability for Christ. Don’t look down on the tied-down. Be liberal with your time and freedom. Know you have a caring spiritual family - make and nurture those connections.

Are You Married as a Christian? Remember that God’s family has many different members. Support those who choose to be single. Be understanding of those whose lives have made them single. Be sensitive to the way the world treats your single brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Remember, whether I am single or married, life is about Christ and Him crucified.