Why Singleness Isn’t Second Best

An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 1 Corinthians 7:32b

Many people see singleness as something to escape from, a waiting period before “real life” begins. But God doesn’t see it that way—and neither should we.

Too often, we treat marriage as the ultimate goal, making single people feel like they’re missing out. But singleness isn’t second best—it’s a gift. Paul, a powerful follower of Jesus who was single, wrote in the Bible book of 1 Corinthians, “I want you to be free from concerns. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:32b).

Singleness offers freedoms that other seasons of life don’t. Consider this:

1. Singleness Gives You Time to Grow

Before building a life with someone else, build your life with God. Use this time to deepen your faith, discover your purpose, and grow emotionally and spiritually. Jesus, Paul, and many other godly men and women were single.

2. Singleness Allows You to Fully Invest in Others

Marriage and family are wonderful, but they require significant time and energy. Being single allows you to serve freely, travel, pursue passions, and pour into friendships and ministries in ways you might not be able to as a married person.

3. Embracing Singleness Helps You Make Wiser Relationship Choices

Desperation leads to poor decisions. When you embrace singleness, you’re not rushing into relationships that aren’t right. If you’re seeking marriage, you’re doing it from a place of contentment, not fear.

Don’t miss the gift of singleness. Instead of wishing it away, embrace it. Use it to know God, grow, and invest in what truly matters. Single? What’s one way you can fully enjoy and steward where God has you today?