"But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 7:32 (KJV)
Introduction
Ok, first things first, I just have to talk about the awkwardness that the title has made for us. Most people, when they hear the ‘Spiritual Gift of Celibacy’, think of all the other spiritual gifts snickering in the corner. Truth be told, this spiritual gift does not suddenly make you a monk that lives in a temple. This concept is more than just about abstaining from anything. We walk in a journey of self-discovery, growth, and faith. Each step you take, each choice you make, shapes your path and defines you. Among all of the choices made, celibacy stands out as a profound and often misunderstood calling. It is time to explore the Spiritual Gift of Celibacy, and uncover how this choice can be a blessing in disguise. This will provide you unique benefits that will enrich your life. Plus, it will deepen your relationship with God.
Focus on Spiritual Growth
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
Spiritual growth is a lifelong endeavor, one that requires dedication, focus, and the intentional surrender of worldly distractions. By choosing celibacy, individuals can hone in on their relationship with God without the complications and distractions of a romantic partnership. One thing you got to get out of your head right now is that the first step in this path of celibacy isn't a step away from something. Not at all, this spiritual gift is a step towards something. It's taking a step towards a greater understanding of God. Doing this gives you a deeper communion with the divine.
This shift in focus that you create isn't about removing distractions, which can be difficult in today's age. You will have to actively change your priorities, and create a space for God in your life, (preferably the first spot). Taking on this spiritual gift is about choosing a path where your spiritual journey takes center stage. Meaning your relationship with God is the driving force. Through celibacy, you turn your gaze inward and upward, channeling your energies to foster a deep and enduring connection with our Heavenly Father.
Real-Life Application: Look at your daily schedule over the week. Besides the pop ups in life, things can be pretty routine. You are about to add something in that routine. Schedule time for God. Not just Sunday mornings. Every day. Whatever you do that is time consuming on an everyday level. Change that focus to God.
Aids Self-Understanding and Self-Development
"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord." - Lamentations 3:40 (KJV)
The journey of celibacy offers more than a path to spiritual growth. Actually, celibacy offers, more than anything, self-discovery and self-development. There is so much opportunity to learn about yourself when you are in the stillness of celibacy. That is right, you are swimming in the big “Lake You”. Celibacy, as a spiritual gift, gives you a chance to understand more about you. Motivations and why you do things will become a lot clearer. You will also see what your strengths are. I am talking about the physical, emotional, and spiritual strengths. But I am also talking about the weakness that comes with them. The solitude that you have will grant you more time to dig in deep you’re your heart and mind. This is going to give you the time to sift through any of your inner thoughts and feelings without having the influence of a romantic partner, where you would be more concerned on them rather than yourself.
But remember, this isn't about isolation, which is why I mentioned the monk in the temple earlier in my writing. It's about introspection. What do you mean introspection, Andrew? I mean that this gives you more time to understand who you are in the eyes of God. I am also talking about using that understanding on how to grow and develop. Celibacy isn't just about abstaining from sexual relations. Thinking of only that is really just shallow thinking. What I am talking about is embracing a life of self-understanding, and growth that leads you closer to God's plan.
Real-Life Application: Is there something you always wanted to know about? Is there a skill that you always wanted to develop? Now is the time to pick up a book and learn what you wanted to learn. If you are wanting to develop some skillset, or even your physical fitness for better health. Now is the time to do that when you do not have the distractions surrounding you.
Emotional Self-Reliance
"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." - Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
Emotional self-reliance. Sounds fancy. Funny enough, it sounds like something you would read in a self-help book. Not really. You see emotional self-reliance is about finding solace and comfort within yourself. It is about finding strength in your relationship with God. Through this spiritual gift, you can learn to lean onto God for emotional support instead of dumping any burdens on another. When you see His guidance during trials, you will find joy and satisfaction in your relationship with Him.
Emotional self-reliance is really about emotional independence. And this emotional independence does not mean pushing people away. This type of independence is about learning to rely on God above all. It's about realizing that your value and your worth. You see, your joy does not depend on a romantic partner. Your joy is rooted in God's love for you.
Real-Life Application: Remember the phrase ‘Count your blessings’? Well, you are about to do just that. In this journey that you are going through with the Spiritual Gift of Celibacy, you are going to be developing more and more. With this development comes understanding of where you were, and where you are now. Take the time to reflect in prayer and thank God for this development.
Mental Clarity
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." - 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
Let’s face it. Romantic relationships can often bring a wild storm of emotions, and desires. It can fog our minds to no end. When you choose to engage in the Spiritual Gift of Celibacy, it will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain mental clarity. You will be able to make decisions without the influence of a romantic or sexual bias.
And when I say thinking clearly, I am not just talking about everyday thoughts. I am talking about making decisions in your life that align with your faith. You values and your calling are important, and it needs that type of clarity. It is important to have that mental space available to contemplate God’s Word and His will for you. Don’t muddy it up with distractions and emotions that romantic relationships can often bring.
Real-Life Application: The Spiritual Gift of Celibacy is often branded of denying the flesh it’s fleshly desires. However, you need to have clear thoughts as well. If you are bombarded with these fleshly thoughts, pray. This doesn’t mean you have to wait to get back to your residence to do that. Pray in the car, pray at work. You can pray anywhere at any time. The moment you begin not being clear-minded, ask for God’s guidance and direction to help you.
More Time for Service
"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." - Psalm 100:2 (KJV)
Okay, okay. You have been reading about all these benefits that directly revolve around you. That's what you have been reading about what celibacy is, right? WRONG! When you have built yourself up with the help of the Lord, it is now time to edify to others His work in you. You do this with service. Lack of distractions and a stronger you, will give you more time for service. Service is a crucial part of our faith. It's how we show love to our fellow man. It is how we express our gratitude to God. And how we spread His Word. By choosing celibacy, we free up time that would typically be spent nurturing a romantic relationship, time that we can now dedicate to service.
Real-Life Application: This gift of time that you get isn't just about doing more for God. It is about doing better for God. That is right, we are doing quality over quantity! Time to serve God and your community with a focused heart and mind. God isn't looking for someone to go and do a bunch of stuff on an average scale. Focus on the details, and use that time you gained to make a difference around you. Choose a focus that your heart burns for. Your passion will spill over to others.
Conclusion
The Spiritual Gift of Celibacy. No, it might not be meant for everyone, but it does bring some pretty profound benefits for those with this calling. Those that are called go on a journey gaining spiritual growth and understanding. It fosters the reliance on yourself with mental clarity, all while giving yourself more time to serve for the Lord.
I do want to clarify that these benefits are not exclusive to anyone that is celibate. You can be introspective, rely on God, and serve others whether you are celibate or not. Each of us have our own path to walk and our own calling to follow. And even though we have individual paths that make us uniquely created, we all are blessed that God walks it with us.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Additionally, if you found this article to be helpful, please share it with others who may also benefit from it.
Andrew R. Davis, a Christian blogger, speaker, and ministry leader, passionately shares the Word of God, guiding others in understanding the Bible and discovering their unique role in God's plan. Through HolyBanter.com, his podcast, and creative pursuits, he empowers Christians to incorporate spiritual gifts into everyday life, igniting their purposeful journey.
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