Today's sermon was on 1 Timothy 5:1-16 ... a passage that discusses relationships within the family unit and the church family, most notably about widows.
The point was made that marriage is the default state, as opposed to singleness or, in the above setting, widowhood. I take exception to that statement when taken at face value. Simply put, singleness is one's permanent vocation, and marriage is transitory. The church is the bride of Christ; the Christian is, first and foremost, married to Christ. This will always be the default state. Singleness, when considered in the vernacular, is the solitary person. Solitude in Christ never negates the presence of God but enhances it. Marriage, in the vernacular, is the covanent binding of two individuals. If you never comprehend your solitude (your marriage to Christ), you will never fully comprehend human marriage.
Since our human existence is fleeting, should we not seek to first understand our role as the bride of Christ before desiring a spouse?
Then back to Timothy; think of many of the older widows in the church. Stereotypically, they often pour themselves into the church. They pray unceasingly. They mentor the youth. They support the church family. They model marriage to Christ. Will the widows of tomorrow share their values? Will they have the same foundation? How are we preparing ourselves now?