"There are many topics that I could have chosen to write about for this first series but my heart is burdened with one topic in particular at the moment, singleness. More specifically a burden for single men. Why? Because the vast majority of young men in the church that I have come into contact with over the last ten years (there are exceptions to this), since being saved, has revealed a common trajectory. I have consistently seen young men living laissez-faire lives in the things that matter. I have consistently seen young men showing more concern for being cool and popular over having sound biblical convictions. I have consistently seen young men have such a comfortability with sin that fleeing sin is viewed as too extreme. I have consistently seen young men so focused on talking a good relationship “game” that godly character takes a backseat. The amount of men in their twenties who are seeking to be godly is pitifully small!
We need convictional men that can’t get enough of God’s word (Psalm 119:20). Convictional men that are growing in their understanding of the great doctrines of Scripture (1 Timothy 4:6-8). Convictional men that are intentional and constant in prayer (Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12c). Convictional men who are boldly living out the truth and pursuing holiness (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 1:13-16). Convictional men who are unashamed in sharing the gospel (Romans 1:16-17). Convictional men who sacrifice to compassionately love and serve others (Philippians 2:3-4). Convictional men who are generous and good stewards with all the Lord has given them (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Romans 12:13). We desperately need these kinds of men! Gentlemen your future marriage is a picture of the gospel (Ephesians 5:25-32). If you are not actively modeling the gospel in your singleness you will not model the gospel in your marriage. What you do or don’t do in this season of singleness will impact the rest of your life. It is a myth that you can presently live with a YOLO mentality and your future family will escape unscathed. If you are not denying yourself now in the pursuit of Christ, you will not deny yourself in the pursuit of your wife when you are married. So why do I write this series? Because, single men, my heart aches with the desire that “Christ be formed in you” (Galatians 4:19) and that you would fight the battles that really matter! Your future wife and future kids need this. Your church, friends, and coworkers need this. Our country and ultimately the world needs you to be this kind of man (Matthew 28:18-20).
