Living as a Single Christian in a Sexually Driven World
How does a single Christian navigate dating in a culture where immediate pleasure trumps future goals?
On an episode of Why or Why Not, Benjamin and Kirsten Watson answer this along with common questions about singleness and dating, including when it’s okay to move in with a significant other, how to view singleness as a gift rather than a delay to fulfilled dreams, and how to stay pure in a sexually driven world.
While there is a cultural pressure to be in a relationship, the Watsons wholeheartedly believe singleness is a gift from God that can be used to advance His kingdom.
When living as a single Christian is viewed as a better way full of opportunities and possibilities to serve Jesus, Paul’s words fall like fresh rain on the dry soil of the heart in 1 Corinthians 7:8 & 32-33, ESV:
“To the unmarried and the widows, I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am … I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife.”
Undivided with the ability to follow Christ wherever and whenever, Kirsten emphasizes the flexibility of the single man or woman to say along with Isaiah, “Here I am! Send me” Isaiah 6:8, ESV.
As the conversation shifts to staying pure throughout singleness, Benjamin warns, “the number one thing Satan perverts is sexuality” and reminds viewers, “sexual immorality destroys us on the inside.”
The Watsons encourage single Christians that sexual desires are not wrong, but fulfilling them outside of God’s timing is. Kirsten highlights the truth, “what He says not to do is really for your protection.”
Whether it’s maintaining purity in singleness or a dating relationship, the Watsons say avoiding a “marriage-type relationship without a marriage type commitment” is preferable over rushing into a situation prematurely and unprepared.
Although much easier said than done, it is more beneficial to pursue accountability through community and put God in place of giving into temptation.
If you’re single, dating, or married, this episode is full of rich truth and encouragement for any season as the Watsons discuss dating differently than the world, keeping the fire in the fireplace, starting again after crossing sexual boundaries, and writing a love story honoring to God.