Complete in Christ

How complete do you feel? How happy are you? In times of disappointment and crisis, you may think, “I don’t have what it takes to be happy…I can’t live alone.” Some think they can’t lead fulfilling lives unless they connect with someone else. But if you have sincerely believed in Christ and invited him to lead your life as your personal Lord and Savior, the Bible says that you are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). This is wonderful! We are complete in him. We do not need anything or anyone to be complete.

“I’m not saying this because I have a shortage, because I’ve learned to be content, whatever my situation.” (Philippians 4:11)

“If there was another situation in which you were better than you are now, for his love God would have already put you in it.”

—Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Myths about being single

  • Myth: “God wants everyone to get married. Singleness is in the background.

Truth: According to the Scriptures, singleness is considered a preferable state that allows for undistracted devotion to God. (1 Corinthians 7:8, 35)

  • Myth: “All you need is a partner”.

Truth: God will be your partner if your earthly partner decides to leave you. (Hosea 2:19,20)

  • Myth: “When the spouse dies, we are left incomplete and empty”.

Truth: As Christians we have complete wholeness in Christ even before we get married. (Colossians 2:9-10)

  • Myth: “Since God uses family to build our character, we will never be fully mature if we remain single.”

Truth: Marital status does not determine maturity. When we become believers, God takes the responsibility to mature us. (Philippians 1:3, 5,6)

Bible Singles

Jesus Christ

Following the path chosen by his Father, Jesus reached full maturity and fulfilled the singular purpose that God had for his life. Jesus knew how to relate to all kinds of people with perfect love. (John 17:4)

Pablo

This apostle used his singleness as a special gift that enabled him to fulfill the divine purpose. His zeal in serving the Lord resulted in a life dedicated to sharing the gospel, second only to that of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 7:7)

Lidia

Lidia was single and a competent businesswoman. She opened her house to establish the first church in Philippi, which became a very active church. (Acts 16:14,15)

Elijah

Elijah was the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. His name, which means “Jehovah is my God,” applies perfectly to him. He was the most powerful and courageous reformer of his day. (1 Kings 18:15)

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose in me; your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; do not forsake the work of your hands.” (Psalms 138:8)

External causes of discontent among singles

parental pressure

  • because they think that marriage is the only option to live happily.
  • the parents’ intense desire to have grandchildren.

Peer pressure

  • friends who pressure you to make a commitment.
  • friends who want me to pair up with someone they know.

professional pressure

  • Job source attitudes where a married employee is seen as more stable and reliable.
  • professions that pay lower wages to singles.

personal pressure

  • personal desire to have children
  • personal sexual need
  • personal fear of financial insecurity

Key verse to memorize

“As all things that pertain to life and godliness have been given to us by his divine power, through the knowledge of him who called us by his glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)

Key passage to read and meditate

1 Corinthians chapter 7

What God thinks about singleness

“I would like, then, that you were without anguish. The single man is careful of the things of the Lord, of how to please the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:32)

Contentment

Acknowledge the problem. It is difficult to give up the desires of our hearts. (Jeremiah 10:23)

Overcome the idea that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. It is not like this. (1 Corinthians 7:28)

Cultivate a grateful heart. (1 Thessalonians 5:16,18)

Treasure your identity in Christ. (Colossians 3:3)

Wait on God to give you a ministry. The Lord wants to use you to help others. (Romans 12:4,17)

Cultivate a family of friends. (Proverbs 17:17)

Trust your future to God. (Matthew 6:33)

“But great gain is godliness accompanied by contentment” (1 Timothy 6:6)