Bachelor Life

I’ve been living the bachelor life for a few weeks and it’s not a party.

It’s OK, but it’s a lot of work. Cooking, dirty dishes and laundry plus my full time job. (OK, I know I’m not getting much sympathy from working moms and single parents!)

Oh—and it’s also lonely. Sometimes I’ll get together with my son or my daughter and her husband, but most of the time I’m on my own.

Having a companion in life is wonderful. Getting married was one of the best things that ever happened to me. The Bible says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” For me that is SO true.

The good news is that my friend-wife arrives back home this week! Her grandmother duties will be over in a few days. And let me tell you, she will be a sight for these sore eyes.

When I got married, my friends didn’t throw a bachelor party for me. But I hear that such parties celebrate (and lament) all the groom loses on his wedding day: freedom, a carefree life and blind dates. Or something like that.

For me, though, marrying my sweetheart felt like winning the lottery of life! It was one of my happiest days. As the Song of Solomon says, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”

Instead of feeling like I lost something, I was excited about all that I was gaining.

For starters, my best friend is now my wife. Instead of being lonely, I have a companion—someone to share life with. What I gave up was more than compensated by what I received!

And that’s just like what happens when a person follows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

“Now hold on just a minute! How is going from bachelor to married like following Christ?”

Just this—we gain more than we lose. Much more!

Like the groom’s friends at a bachelor party, there are folks who tell others that becoming a Christian means giving up fun and excitement. That a person loses more than they gain.

But nothing could be further from the truth!

What one loses is guilt over sin and the future bad consequences of sin—things like addictive behaviors, life-long regrets or worse! Oh, and one also avoids eternal punishment in a horrible place the Bible calls hell.

What a Christ follower gains is forgiveness from guilt, inner peace, joy, purpose in living and the love of God. But wait, there’s more! The Bible also tells us God becomes our protector, provider and confidant. It says he will never leave us or forsake us.

And, as they say, “That just scratches the surface!”

One of the great things about being a child of God is that we know God loves us. He doesn’t just give us eternal life and then say, “Good luck—I’ll see you in heaven!” God knew we needed help and encouragement to live for him. So he gave us an amazing book called the Bible.

Do you have a Bible? Have you read it lately? Encouragement isn’t much good if you don’t ever read it! If you’re not a Christian, start in the New Testament Gospel of John and then keep reading. If you are a Christian and need encouragement, read the little book called First John.

Do you feel like you’re living the bachelor life? Alone--like no one cares for you? Then come to Jesus. He’s a friend for life and eternity. He’s the friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The Bible says, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” It adds, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!