MoS: Service

Musings on Singleness: Service

Throughout this series, I have been posing many questions to reveal the state of our hearts. Let us have a little change of direction. It’s never a good idea to look too much at self. We run the risk of becoming “navel-gazers.” Heart examination is good; self-obsession is not.

Now let’s turn our attention to the right actions commanded by Scripture for this season of singleness. It is impossible to divorce our actions from our hearts. The heart is the source/reason/motivation for every action.

Singles are notoriously self-absorbed. Because ya know, we only have to worry about ourselves--our lives, our money, our business, our time, our pleasure, our relaxation, our tiredness, our hobbies, our interests... I will stop now. Let me repeat my youth group's mantra, "It's not about me! (it's all about God)." When our hearts are turned from constant speculation about our own selves, we can focus on doing God’s work! Good deeds! Serving the Master!

Young men are commanded to “be an example of good deeds.” Titus 2:7. I think we can reasonably apply that Scripture to all of us single people. There’s no excuse for laziness while we are single. In the absence of family responsibilities, we ought to be “careful to engage in good deeds,” Titus 3:8. Our focus is should be turned from serving ourselves, to serving others by doing good deeds. “And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14. If there are needs in the Body, it is our responsibility to meet those needs. And that is considered spiritual fruit!

As people possessed by God, our passion is doing good deeds! Even being zealous for them, according to Titus 3:14.

Good deeds. Works. Serving others. These things are not just church volunteer work! Nor is it relegated to anything church-building-related. Service is serving people. In many different capacities.

As a single person and a necessary part of the Body of Christ, now is the time to consider what part good deeds have had in your life. Have you made yourself available to help people? By moving? Babysitting? Helping with home improvement projects? Caring for someone who is sick? There are endless possibilities to what can be done to serve one another.

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
Galatians 6:10