Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Recently I spent time with a former corporate businessman who left his job to work for minimum wage with a ministry that provides water treatment systems for underprivileged and disaster areas of the world.  This isn’t exactly the traditional method of climbing the corporate ladder and seeking the world’s riches, but when I saw the joy that clean water brings to people to help them survive another day, there isn’t any corporate achievement or financial gain that can outweigh it.  That is someone who is pleasing the Lord.

King Solomon, one of the wealthiest people to have ever walked the earth says:

I say it is better to be content with what little you have.  Otherwise, you will always be struggling for more, and that is like chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes 4:6).

In Our Time Alone

Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:12).

Like many singles, I am blessed with time that is not in demand from others—I have the opportunity for “alone” time.  I can accomplish tasks around the house, work on the Internet, watch television, read, get together with friends, run errands, and a multitude of other good and necessary activities.  However, what is the best use of my time alone? 

When Jesus was alone, he prayed (Matthew 14:23, Luke 22:40).  When his disciples were alone with Jesus, they learned about the things of God (Mark 4:10).

Throughout my years of traveling, I am embarrassed at how I have spent the idle time in airports, on planes, and on tour buses sleeping, watching movies, reading a newspaper or doing nothing.  I have wondered what difference it would it make in my life if I used these hours more productively?  I have since committed myself to spending time in prayer, reading the Word, sharing my experiences through writing, and studying.

My appreciation of alone time has grown after hosting many of my married friends and spending time around families.  I have learned that my responsibility is not to waste the opportunity I have, but rather to use that time to grow in wisdom.

I have concluded that the best cities for single Christians are ones that provide an opportunity for a person to grow spiritually, to have meaningful relationships, and provide opportunities to serve.  Don’t let others tell you what you should do or where you should live because it’s cool; let God lead you in how to live.

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

— Point of Grace (Lyrics by Cindy Morgan)

Being single allows us to live our lives with a great deal of independence and the ability to take a few chances, but this does not mean for us to live it selfishly.  When all is said and done, our identity will not be found in whom we knew (or didn’t know) or what we did (or didn’t do) in life, but how we lived it.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God (1 Peter 2:16).

 Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, He Said-She Said, in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel.  An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback?  Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.