Over three months ago, my marital status changed. Having been culturally single for about 28 years, I am sensitive to the fact that our culture can place identity and significance on our marital status. A few years ago, some of my closest friends and I were talking about the comments we receive about our singleness. “Why aren’t you dating anyone?” or “Oh, I have someone I want to set you up with?” I finally came up with a reply that could steer the conversation else where, “Well, there are too many to choose from.” Although, a light hearted joke, it may have helped deter that blind date, but more importantly I hoped for an opportunity to share about my Savior. How could I share about my Savior in reference to my singleness?
Thankfully, my Savior gives me an identity that will never change.
- I am redeemed
- I am accepted
- I am justified
- I am adopted
- I am forgiven
My identity in Christ is is what I have to press into with the Lord, whether, I am single, dating, engaged, married, divorced, or widowed. A person’s status does not change their identity in Him.
This is why we are encouraging singles to come to the marriage conference. Marriage gives the church a small glimpse of the bigger picture. Christ is our husband and the church is His bride. The Biblical truths of marriage can come into play as the body of Christ lives life together. We are placed in different circumstances that God wants to use to mold us into more of His image! Because of our flesh, the fallen world, and the enemy we are all prone to find our identity in false refuges, instead of Christ. As the body of Christ, no matter our status or circumstances we need each other to encourage and exhort us to find our identity in Him.
Still not convinced that a marriage conference would be beneficial? Read the statements of singles who attended this conference:
“I’m single and I felt like the conference was helpful for me as I relate to others (family, friends,etc.). It also helped me to become more aware of the realities of marriage – I will move into relationships being much more prepared about what to expect as well as how to deal with my
problem – me.”
…Jessica
“I really enjoyed the conference even though I am single. I felt that it wasn’t awkward to be here, and that the information presented was very helpful in terms of all relationships, and it was great to shatter illusions of the idea that marriage is what satisfies, and to help prepare for dating
and eventually a marriage relationship.”
…Matt
“The conference has been a blessing to me as a single woman. It is a reminder to me to focus on being the type of person I would want to be with because my greatest relationship problem is me. It helps to shift my focus and remind me once again about the importance of my vertical
relationship in my horizontal ones as well as showing grace.”
…Kina
“It has been a great opportunity in preparing for marriage. Now we know what to expect. It has definitely shown the utter importance and dependence on God in relationships. It’s a great learning experience on how to properly live out a marriage for God and not ourselves.”
…Benjamin
So help us by encouraging your friends to come. Limited seating, so register soon!
This post was written by Melanie Begg. If you have any questions regarding the Marriage Conference, please contact her at melanie.begg@apexcommunity.org.
