The related questions were put forth thusly: “Is the single or unmarried state really inferior to the married state? Why the pressures from the church and parents on the spiritual superiority of married life?” For most people, marriage is the ideal marital status, as long as husbands and wives practice biblical principles (Ephesians 5:22-33).
God Himself at the budding of human habitation upon the earth determined that a man and a woman were suitable companions, coworkers and a family (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). As husband and wife, God instructed them to propagate the human race (Genesis 1:27-28), which is not possible alone. Likewise, following the worldwide deluge of Noah’s time, God told the four couples who disembarked the Ark, “…Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1 NKJV). This, again, is the business of growing families, not something done alone.
Both testaments of the Bible abound with references to married life. God approves of marriage and detests sexual relationships outside of marriage. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is the proper way to address one’s natural physical attraction to the opposite sex (1 Corinthians 7:1-5).
However, the apostle Paul was not only unmarried, but he also recommended that marital status to others, too. “But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. For I wish that all men were even as I myself…” (1 Corinthians 7:6-7). In addition, the same apostle acknowledged that because of some circumstances it was better for a time, at least, men and women do not marry (1 Corinthians 7:26). Even Jesus acknowledged that sometimes it is better not to wed (Matthew 19:12). Nevertheless, couples unable to control their passions ought to marry rather than to burn with lust (1 Corinthians 7:9).
Single life has some advantages, as was with the case of the apostle Paul. Remember, too, that Jesus was unmarried. Those who marry have family responsibilities that will affect the amount of devotion that a person can have for activity in the kingdom.
But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)
Married life, when enjoyed within the parameters of Scripture, is rewarding and gratifying. Evangelism begins with one’s own family, and the ultimate conversion of children contribute greatly to the continuation and future growth of local congregations. From among families, too, churches select their elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Unmarried men cannot qualify for appointment to an eldership.
Each person must decide for himself or herself whether he or she will marry. In either case, biblical principles ought to guide Christians in their moral deportment, Christian living and Christian service.
