1 Corinthians 7: The Gift of Singleness?

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:7, "I wish that all men were as I am [single]. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.." 

The Bible is clear - being single isn't a curse, rather a gift that God gives to some people. Now there are two kinds of single people: 1) Those single against their will and 2) those single by choice. 

If you're single against your will (that is - you want to be married), are you stewarding your singleness well? Does God look down from heaven and see that you are seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33)? Have you been faithful with your singleness so that he can entrust to you a marriage relationship (Luke 16:10)? 

If you're single by choice, are you using your singleness to advance the kingdom of heaven or to selfishly indulge your discretionary time and income? Jesus said in Matthew 19:12 that "...some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven..." Is that why you have chosen not to marry? Or do you just want to have lots of free time to indulge every interest and hobby that catches your attention? 

Single people, whether by choice or against their will, are God's secret weapons! They are not second class citizens in God's kingdom! (i.e. A married person will likely only be able to attend one service and serve in another, while the single person can attend one service and serve in two) Simply put, there are some things singles can do for God's kingdom, that married people can't. This is what Paul is getting at in vv.32-35 when he writes...

An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

So, if you're single, like Jesus, realize the potential you have to impact God's kingdom. Walk in your calling or in this temporary season to do things for God that you won't be able to do when/if you're married.