If You’re Happy And You Know It

For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

1 Corinthians 7:7

When Margaret Achorn retrieved a large package from the post office one Christmas, she didn’t recognize the sender’s name. She became suspicious: what if it was a bomb? After the police bomb squad opened it, the only thing left in the debris was the warranty card for the new stereo. She never found out who sent such a nice gift, or why.

Sometimes Christians act suspicious about the gifts God has given them. While they may know the giver is God, they are hesitant to enjoy the gift, wondering what strings might be attached. A little-known reference to spiritual gifts in the New Testament is when Paul uses the Greek word charisma to refer to the inclination to be married or remain single (1 Corinthians 7:7).

Some unmarried Christians are fully content being single but get the idea from the world (and sometimes the church) that they shouldn’t be—that marriage is always better. If you are single and content, stay that way, and use your gift for the glory of God.

Singles can build up the body of Christ with their gift only if the church recognizes the grace of God at work in their lives.