I am very excited to bring you my first post here on TripleBraidedLife!
Embrace. What comes to mind when you hear that word? When I hear it, I think it sounds elegant. I feel like it is a fancy way to describe a hug. It actually means to “accept willingly or eagerly”. As single Christian women, what are we accepting willingly or eagerly into our lives? Godliness or sinfulness?
In the face of consequences from my recent deceptive and lying actions, I asked myself, “Am I embracing the discipline of godliness in my life, willingly and eagerly?”
My actions clearly suggested otherwise. I followed a thought pattern that lead to sinful behaviors. It happens too many times. “It will be okay, it’s just once” or “It’s not that much of a big deal, it’s not really a lie.” These are the thought patterns I had chosen to follow instead of embracing God’s truth.
One thing leads to another and there I am, in the middle of a snowball rolling down the mountain, arms and legs flailing about, gathering bitterness and discontentment. My behavior was because I was embracing sinful thoughts. The realization stung, as did the correction that followed. I know that I can be better, with Jesus.
But it did lead me to question why I had been on the path to embracing temptation instead of godliness? I was willingly accepting that deceit was okay. I was eagerly accepting lying as appropriate. And for what? It was leading me further away from people. My work performance was suffering. Relationships were becoming strained and trust was broken. My perspective of God was skewed.
It doesn’t make sense because I know that “Christ has set me free” (Galatians 5:1) from being a slave to sin. When I turned from my old life and turned to Jesus, I became a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:27). The power of the cross means there is hope and strength to strive for godliness.
How does this relate to being a single, Christian woman? Personally, I find it challenging to pursue godliness as a Christian single. On the one hand, temptation and struggles aren’t as open, when there isn’t a close person around. On the other hand, it can also be difficult to find good accountability.
This is where I value my Bible study group and my Christian family. They are how I can embrace Christian community. They open up the door for accountability which is vital for any Christian, but particularly singles. Paul explains it so well – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Not only do my study group and family provide encouragement and accountability, they also remind me that I do ultimately have a choice to embrace godliness. Each day I can choose to remember the following things:
E- Enter His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4b)
M- Meditate on His word each morning (Psalm 119:105)
B- Believe the truth (John 3:16)
R- Rejoice through suffering (Psalm 40)
A- Accept forgiveness (Colossians 1:13-14)
C- Confess my sins (1 John 1:9)
E- Enjoy God’s presence (Ephesians 3:12)
I can confidently embrace godliness, knowing that my old sinful self was crucified at the cross. I know that I am no longer enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6-7). When reflecting on Truth, remembering God’s promises, and relying on His strength, the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) can be evident in my life. Those are things worth embracing.
Do you have a community to help you grow in godliness during your single years?
Katie is an Australian in her mid-twenties seeking to live with purpose Down Under. She is a passionate writer who desires to see her words encourage and bring hope to young women. Katie lives with an American family and 2 cheeky dogs. You can read more on Katie’s blog – Our Seasons of Grace – and you can follow her on Facebook.
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