There is Life as a Christian Single

In my fondest memories, I can recall daydreaming of being married to a beautiful woman and being a loving father and good provider. Those daydreams to some extent evolved into life goals from adolescent to adulthood, which gave birth to the ambition and drive to become a success in my life. It had never resonated in my daydreams that one of those status levels I would reach and maintain for a good part of my early adult life would be labeled as “Christian and single.”  I used to contemplate those two words from a secular perspective and wondered if people would interpret its meaning to be “lonely loser.” The fact that God could really stand for something in my life as a Christian single in today’s world was a big struggle in my adult life.

After completing high school, I found myself at an entry-level job at a local real-estate-related company and within short order, I had my eye on climbing the corporate ladder. As an empowered young adult, I gave into society’s accepted practice of variety dating and in my vain effort, I was looking for that right girl who would fit my picture and idea of corporate success. It was within these gradual timeframes when I made a subconscious statement to God: “I appreciate all the help but I can handle life from here on out.” Positive and motivational resources and “the universe will provide” sort of thinking became my new self-made religion. God became more of a mere abstract of thought used only when beneficial in my life. Nearly twenty years would pass and I would climb that corporate ladder and outwardly, some would have applauded my success; however, deep inside I would suffer the realization that my self-made religion was failing me miserably. Relationships were deteriorating and aspirations of money and corporate drive started to take a backseat to emptiness. I knew there had to be more in life.

The very statement I made in my earlier years choosing to exclude God from my life became a regretful mistake over time. I felt reminded of a parallel biblical story the account of the prodigal son in Luke15:11–31. The story ends by giving us a picture of how the loving father receives his lost son back, even though it was the son’s choice to leave home. I as well wanted my heavenly father back in my life. I was at a point that I wanted a relationship with God, not a religious exercise, no tricks or games; I would refuse to settle for nothing less than a true God experience. It happened while I was alone one night at my home with tears streaming down my face. I summoned God with a new statement not with vanity but with a pure, open and honest heart. I gave my plea for forgiveness and asked for help. The freedom that the Bible talks about, this liberty the Bible speaks about, this life fulfillment the Bible describes—I wanted to experience it now! That night was probably the best night’s sleep I had in years. From that day, I became a faithful Christian single man, ready to follow and serve God in any way possible.

I didn’t fully understand how to live a Christian single life; many churches I visited, the sermons I heard were primarily focused toward families, far from addressing the challenges and needs of adult singles today. However, God is faithful to his word. Each day as I opened up my heart to God in prayer, weekly bible studies along with a strong commitment at a local Church body, the single journey began to take on a new shape and excitement. God started to reveal through biblical principles a practical step-by-step process as to how to live a Christian single life in a less than Christian-friendly world. He first allowed me to recognize that he loves me and that there is a set purpose and destiny in store for my life, no matter the challenges and disappointments I had experienced, once I had the correct attitude and affirmation. I digested simple yet powerful biblical stories from the great patriarchs like King David, Moses and the great leader Joshua. I gained a creative personalized perspective on creating goals in five main areas: Personal, Spiritual, Physical, Relational and Financial. These were personalized with benefits along with journaling. This new approach allowed me to face bad habits; negative strongholds that were holding my life down. I found a new freedom for single living; I didn’t just have to sit and mope around or listen to those in relationships feel sorry for my single status. I started to engage new friendships, went traveling, started new hobbies and expanded my relationship with God. I found my life coming into balance and living whole is the best place to be along with integrity in God.