Ministering to the Young Single Adult - Elmer Towns

friendships and develop his own spiritual life. He may even find his mate in the church.Although the church is not a “match-making society,” what better place is there foryoung people to find their life partner than in the fellowship of God’s people?2. The young single adult should develop a well-rounded life. He can findenjoyment and satisfaction in his own activities by doing as much as possible within thelimitations of his own strength, resources and desires.3. The young single adult should cultivate friendships. As he enlarges his circleof friends he will gain satisfaction and develop a healthy personality. Christianity is arelationship. The death of Christ “hath broken down the middle wall of partition” (Eph.2:14). When a person becomes a Christian, he establishes a relationship with God theFather. Then that relationship is to be worked out in relationship with others. It has beensaid, “You can’t be Christian alone.” Friendships bring out the best and complete thepersonality. So the child of God who forms deep relationships with others finds meaningin life, as well as in ministering to his friends.4. The causes of attitudes should be examined. The young single adult should askhimself such questions as “What makes me lonely? Why do I tend to minimize thefriendship of others? What keeps me from seeking out friendship with other people?”Most people who do not seek friendship with others do not understand what is inhibitingtheir actions. When they uncover the basic reason, they can commit their social life toGod and build a well-rounded life.5. Learn the creativity and meaning of solitude. The young single adult can makehis times of solitude an opportunity to learn more about himself. He should spend timereading the Scriptures and establish daily prayer habits. Devotional books are helpful.Biographies of great men can help to structure his ambitions and desires in life.6. Take opportunities for travel, adventure and broadening of horizons. Beingsingle has its advantages. Coupled with independence is mobility, the opportunity to pullup roots and go somewhere else-to travel. Since there is no one else to make financialdemands on the pay check, money can be saved for vacations and travel. Air travel andguided tours make Europe, the Holy Land, or the Near East accessible to almost anyyoung single adult.In contrast, the young married adult cannot pick up and leave, for his children arein school during the year and in many cases he has heavy financial obligations. Usually itis too expensive and inconvenient to go far with a family. Also, two or more are trying tolive on the salary of one. The security of the young married couple may be their prison,whereas the independence of the young single adult is his doorway to adventure.III. INDEPENDENCE AND FAMILY RELATIONSThe social pattern of the young single adult is changing. Many years ago he wasto live on the “old homestead.” There he was to look after Mom and Dad while the others