Matthew 19:10-12
10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
One of the things that Jesus makes clear in this chapter is that marriage is a wonderful, sacred covenant, but it is not for everyone. Some are called to abstinence so they can focus on "the kingdom of heaven" (verse 12). This tells us, first, that abstinence is possible. It can be a choice, and not an impossible choice. Second, that abstinence is not to be focused on the lack of pleasure, but on the good that can be done for the kingdom of heaven. If we focus on what we don't have, we'll end up frustrated and bitter. But if we focus on what God wants us to do, we will find fulfillment.
Lord, help me to focus on Your kingdom and Your calling.
10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
One of the things that Jesus makes clear in this chapter is that marriage is a wonderful, sacred covenant, but it is not for everyone. Some are called to abstinence so they can focus on "the kingdom of heaven" (verse 12). This tells us, first, that abstinence is possible. It can be a choice, and not an impossible choice. Second, that abstinence is not to be focused on the lack of pleasure, but on the good that can be done for the kingdom of heaven. If we focus on what we don't have, we'll end up frustrated and bitter. But if we focus on what God wants us to do, we will find fulfillment.
Lord, help me to focus on Your kingdom and Your calling.