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tice was worthwhile. The Apostle points out that while there are certain benefits to celibacy, yet a union of man and wife is better than fornication or evil thoughts (7:1, 2). Paul views things differ ently than we do today. No one would argue that marriage is not sanctioned by God. It is indeed an honorable estate. Other Scriptures verify this point. The point is, how ever, that we should not question or be suspicious of those who choose to remain single. The Apostle points out, "Nevertheless, to avoid forni cation, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." (Verse 9 also bears on this.) In short the exhor tation is that if one cannot have mastery over the great power with in him, the desire for sex, then he is obviously to follow the impor tant path of marriage. Such is far better than any illicit relationships. The argument is that it is best for one not to be encumbered with a mate, yet there are certain dan gers in the area of remaining single. There is a necessity for singleness of purpose in our service for Christ. The same chapter, verses 25 to 38 indicate that to remain single means an individual can be more effective in the work of the Lord. Not so much time is spent trying to meet the demands of the wife and the family. The ultimate answer to this question is in God's hands (vs. 7). Even though Paul would personally say that marriage is not as desirable as celibacy, yet in the final analysis God has given certain gifts to certain individuals. Some can control their desires more than others. The Lord God has given the desires for marriage to certain ones. The matter ultimately is between
To run away, To try and hide, To be far from The Father's side. 'Twas once attempted By a small man. 'Twas far from Nineveh That he ran. He heard the order, Heard God say, "Get up now Jonah,
Be on your way." But he listened to His carnal mind, Not knowing that
God's hand would bind. For him the punishment
He deserved. For unto him
Nineveh was reserved. He fled to a small craft, With men and mast. Where he found upon him The lot was cast. After they threw him
Off the boat, Into a whale He did float.
And while he lived Three days within; He contemplated His life and sin. At last our Father Saw 'twas fit And on dry land Jonah soon was spit. So, from this venture We can see That God will punish
You and me. If we attempt
To break His rules, He'll only prove us Mighty fools!
—LYDIA DURAN
Whittier Christian High School
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