We’re wrapping up part two of Sacred Singleness and discussing chapter 8 today. We’re answering the question, “Does God want me to be happy?” What do you think? Do you feel like God is denying you happiness? Let’s see what Leslie Ludy has to teach us through this chapter.
Question 1: How does the idea of giving up your life for the higher calling of what God desires for you make you feel? What would that look like in your every day life?
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)
For me, this is the hardest part in my Christian walk. But it does get easier the more I let go and surrender. I have found, personally, that surrendering to what God wants for me is much sweeter and filled with much more joy than I could ever imagine. That does not mean that life suddenly becomes perfect. What it does mean is that I no longer have to feel the burden to “make things happen”, which ultimately weighs me down anyway. It took me a long time to realize this promise and truth. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I finally was able to give up. Today I still struggle in areas other singleness, but with each desire I release I am able to accept so much more.
Question 2: Do you think of whining and complaining about your singleness as a sin? Is there a way to be honest about our feelings without sinning?
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Philippians 2:14-15)
This section of chapter 8 has the heading “Honesty or Sin?” (p. 108). I agreed with the overall point that Leslie was trying to make, but I would make a few distinctions. Through Jesus’ death on the Cross we have a relationship with God. Of course there needs to be respect and reverence about going to the Almighty Creator of the universe, but I think He honors our honesty with Him. After all, He knows our true thoughts and feelings anyway! However, at the same time I think that our whining and complaining can lead to sin if we do not ask for help with being content and turn away from it. I think going to God with a honest, but contrite, heart does not lead to sin. It is when the actions continue without a realization that it leads us to be impure and full of blame that leads to sin.
How do these thoughts make you feel? What are you left thinking? I would love to hear from you in the comments.
Next week we will discuss chapters 9 and 10! Check back here for the discussion questions!
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