November 21 Daily Devotional

The Single Person

Charles and Norma Ellis

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 7:7-9

⁷For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
⁸I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.
⁹But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Devotional:

Paul continues his discussion on marriage. He is saying in verse 7 that the ability to remain single without undue sexual struggle is a special gift he has received of God. He would like — he speaks in hyperbole — to see everyone have this gift so that the gospel ministry could go forth unhampered by the cares of families! This extreme statement reminds us of Paul's other declaration (called forth also by his zeal for the gospel ministry) that he could wish himself 'accursed' for the sake of his brethren the Jews (Romans 9:3).

When a person loses his partner Paul suggests that it might be best for him or her to remain unmarried. But if a strong sexual urge is a problem, Paul says it is better to re-marry. Paul presents the arguments that Jesus used, that lust is really adultery, so that a person who finds himself unable to cope with his desires surely should marry. Despite the restriction marriage may place on the work of the gospel, it is preferable to being single and having an adulterous heart!

Those of us who are married sometimes have to be reminded in the midst of our enthusiasm for the married state that there are some for whom God has planned a life of service for Himself that can be better achieved as a single person. There is room in the church for all sorts of gifts. Let us not plan our activities and groups in such a way that those who are single will feel that they are being considered as some strange breed! And let us try to conquer this attitude that everyone ought to marry! Let us recognize the existence of the gift of continence in the church today. It is a gift, of course, and not a thing that a church can impose on any individual. It is a personal gift of God as much tailored to the individual as the gift of teaching or any other gift!

O for the ability to discern these things in our own lives and the lives of others!

We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."

Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.

Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.