1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:02,319 Being single as a Christian often comes with 2 00:00:02,319 --> 00:00:03,779 its own set of challenges. 3 00:00:04,400 --> 00:00:07,599 While relationships and marriage are revered, we singles 4 00:00:07,599 --> 00:00:10,400 often find ourselves navigating life with pep talks 5 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:12,994 from friends and prayers from parents about finding 6 00:00:12,994 --> 00:00:13,654 the one. 7 00:00:14,595 --> 00:00:16,535 But it's not all sunshine and roses. 8 00:00:17,074 --> 00:00:19,394 Sometimes being single as a Christian can feel 9 00:00:19,394 --> 00:00:20,295 like a battlefield 10 00:00:20,675 --> 00:00:21,494 with temptations 11 00:00:21,795 --> 00:00:24,135 sneaking in wearing all kinds of disguises. 12 00:00:25,314 --> 00:00:26,160 The good news? 13 00:00:26,640 --> 00:00:29,279 Once we identify these temptations, we're halfway to 14 00:00:29,279 --> 00:00:31,279 laughing them off and putting them in their 15 00:00:31,279 --> 00:00:31,779 place. 16 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:35,039 So here's a humorous yet insightful look at 17 00:00:35,039 --> 00:00:37,200 the top four ways Satan might try to 18 00:00:37,200 --> 00:00:38,579 mess with Christian singles 19 00:00:39,054 --> 00:00:41,314 and how you can stay grounded and 20 00:00:41,695 --> 00:00:43,854 maybe even amused in the face of it 21 00:00:43,854 --> 00:00:44,354 all. 22 00:00:45,215 --> 00:00:45,715 One, 23 00:00:46,414 --> 00:00:48,755 the temptation to rush into any relationship 24 00:00:49,295 --> 00:00:51,155 just to say you're not single. 25 00:00:52,335 --> 00:00:54,255 When everyone around you seems to be pairing 26 00:00:54,255 --> 00:00:57,210 up, the temptation to jump into any relationship 27 00:00:57,429 --> 00:00:59,530 just to say you're not single is real. 28 00:01:00,229 --> 00:01:03,189 Satan loves to whisper things like, just date 29 00:01:03,189 --> 00:01:05,369 this person. They go to church occasionally. 30 00:01:05,670 --> 00:01:07,129 That's enough. Right? 31 00:01:07,844 --> 00:01:08,344 Or 32 00:01:08,645 --> 00:01:10,885 you're not getting any younger. Just find someone 33 00:01:10,885 --> 00:01:11,385 now. 34 00:01:12,325 --> 00:01:13,545 The irony here, 35 00:01:14,085 --> 00:01:16,564 often the very first people we consider might 36 00:01:16,564 --> 00:01:18,665 be a mix of red flags and potential 37 00:01:18,725 --> 00:01:21,525 sermon material for pastors on what not to 38 00:01:21,525 --> 00:01:22,025 do. 39 00:01:23,170 --> 00:01:25,489 But when you're surrounded by couples, the temptation 40 00:01:25,489 --> 00:01:27,969 to settle for someone instead of waiting for 41 00:01:27,969 --> 00:01:29,510 the right one can be overwhelming. 42 00:01:30,930 --> 00:01:32,310 How to laugh it off? 43 00:01:33,250 --> 00:01:35,109 Embrace your single swag. 44 00:01:35,810 --> 00:01:38,325 Remind yourself that you're a complete person as 45 00:01:38,325 --> 00:01:38,825 you 46 00:01:39,605 --> 00:01:41,625 are. Not only that, but the best relationships 47 00:01:41,685 --> 00:01:42,905 take time and discernment, 48 00:01:43,525 --> 00:01:46,165 and rushing usually ends up being way more 49 00:01:46,165 --> 00:01:46,665 complicated 50 00:01:47,125 --> 00:01:48,665 and hilarious in hindsight 51 00:01:48,965 --> 00:01:49,784 than anticipated. 52 00:01:51,599 --> 00:01:53,920 Besides, aren't you worth waiting for something amazing 53 00:01:53,920 --> 00:01:56,259 rather than settling for just okay? 54 00:01:57,840 --> 00:01:58,340 Two, 55 00:01:58,959 --> 00:02:01,540 the temptation to compromise on your values. 56 00:02:02,959 --> 00:02:05,094 The more time we spend single, the easier 57 00:02:05,094 --> 00:02:07,334 it can be to let little compromises slip 58 00:02:07,334 --> 00:02:07,834 in. 59 00:02:08,694 --> 00:02:11,254 Satan will whisper things like, does it really 60 00:02:11,254 --> 00:02:12,875 matter if they share your faith? 61 00:02:13,254 --> 00:02:15,974 Or one little compromise here and there won't 62 00:02:15,974 --> 00:02:17,969 hurt. Love conquers all. Right? 63 00:02:19,169 --> 00:02:21,409 But if you've ever compromised your values in 64 00:02:21,409 --> 00:02:23,490 any area, you know it doesn't feel good 65 00:02:23,490 --> 00:02:24,150 for long. 66 00:02:25,009 --> 00:02:27,490 Eventually, those little choices pile up and before 67 00:02:27,490 --> 00:02:28,849 you know it, you're in a place you 68 00:02:28,849 --> 00:02:30,389 never intended to be. 69 00:02:31,330 --> 00:02:33,590 Here's where humor can be your best friend. 70 00:02:34,585 --> 00:02:37,305 Imagine trying to explain these compromises to your 71 00:02:37,305 --> 00:02:39,724 younger self or to someone you admire. 72 00:02:40,025 --> 00:02:42,265 Wouldn't it sound just a bit funny and 73 00:02:42,265 --> 00:02:43,405 not in a good way? 74 00:02:43,865 --> 00:02:46,185 Holding on to your values keeps you grounded 75 00:02:46,185 --> 00:02:48,504 and centered no matter who walks into your 76 00:02:48,504 --> 00:02:49,004 life. 77 00:02:49,680 --> 00:02:50,979 How to laugh it off? 78 00:02:51,280 --> 00:02:53,379 Think of your values as your VIP 79 00:02:53,680 --> 00:02:54,180 list. 80 00:02:54,479 --> 00:02:56,239 If you wouldn't let someone treat you to 81 00:02:56,239 --> 00:02:58,979 dinner while blatantly disrespecting your values, 82 00:02:59,439 --> 00:03:00,979 why let them into your heart? 83 00:03:01,439 --> 00:03:03,715 Stay committed to what you believe in and 84 00:03:03,715 --> 00:03:05,715 trust that someone who respects that will come 85 00:03:05,715 --> 00:03:06,215 along. 86 00:03:06,835 --> 00:03:07,335 Besides, 87 00:03:07,635 --> 00:03:08,995 you don't need to dim your light for 88 00:03:08,995 --> 00:03:10,375 anyone. You're a VIP. 89 00:03:12,435 --> 00:03:12,935 Three, 90 00:03:13,474 --> 00:03:15,895 the temptation to envy the couples around you. 91 00:03:16,710 --> 00:03:19,510 You know those picture perfect Instagram couples who 92 00:03:19,510 --> 00:03:21,430 always look like they're living in a Hallmark 93 00:03:21,430 --> 00:03:21,930 movie? 94 00:03:22,550 --> 00:03:24,330 Yep. That can be a huge temptation. 95 00:03:25,110 --> 00:03:27,590 Satan loves to make Christian singles feel like 96 00:03:27,590 --> 00:03:28,569 they're missing out. 97 00:03:29,189 --> 00:03:32,090 Everyone else has found their person, he'll say, 98 00:03:32,284 --> 00:03:33,104 What's wrong with 99 00:03:33,485 --> 00:03:36,205 you? Or the classic, maybe you're just too 100 00:03:36,205 --> 00:03:36,705 picky. 101 00:03:37,645 --> 00:03:39,985 But envy is an empty and exhausting road. 102 00:03:40,365 --> 00:03:42,145 Every couple has their ups and downs. 103 00:03:42,525 --> 00:03:44,525 And most of the perfection is just well 104 00:03:44,525 --> 00:03:46,305 crafted social media imagery. 105 00:03:47,310 --> 00:03:49,310 Plus, envy robs you of the joy of 106 00:03:49,310 --> 00:03:50,050 right now. 107 00:03:50,590 --> 00:03:53,389 Imagine missing out on your present blessings because 108 00:03:53,389 --> 00:03:55,310 you're too busy wishing for what someone else 109 00:03:55,310 --> 00:03:55,810 has. 110 00:03:56,990 --> 00:03:58,210 How to laugh it off? 111 00:03:58,830 --> 00:04:00,370 Remind yourself of the hilarious 112 00:04:00,750 --> 00:04:03,115 behind the scenes moments that most likely didn't 113 00:04:03,115 --> 00:04:04,014 make it to Instagram. 114 00:04:05,194 --> 00:04:07,215 Relationships are messy and complicated 115 00:04:07,835 --> 00:04:10,075 and those perfect moments are only half the 116 00:04:10,075 --> 00:04:10,575 story. 117 00:04:11,355 --> 00:04:13,754 Every season has its gifts and your season 118 00:04:13,754 --> 00:04:15,579 of singleness is full of blessing 119 00:04:16,120 --> 00:04:19,259 like complete control over the remote and unlimited 120 00:04:19,399 --> 00:04:20,860 access to all the snacks. 121 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:22,060 Enjoy it. 122 00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:23,660 Four, 123 00:04:24,199 --> 00:04:26,620 the temptation to try and help God out. 124 00:04:27,399 --> 00:04:28,379 This one's classic. 125 00:04:29,235 --> 00:04:31,415 God, I trust you with my life partner. 126 00:04:31,795 --> 00:04:34,035 But, you know, just in case you're super 127 00:04:34,035 --> 00:04:36,754 busy, I've started dating this person who might 128 00:04:36,754 --> 00:04:38,855 be close enough to what I prayed for. 129 00:04:40,035 --> 00:04:42,240 Yep. Sometimes times we're tempted to take things 130 00:04:42,240 --> 00:04:44,159 into our own hands because we feel like 131 00:04:44,159 --> 00:04:46,319 God is moving just a tad too slowly 132 00:04:46,319 --> 00:04:47,139 for our lightning. 133 00:04:48,159 --> 00:04:50,479 But trying to nudge God into action often 134 00:04:50,479 --> 00:04:52,659 leads to interesting results. 135 00:04:53,665 --> 00:04:55,345 This is often the point where singles will 136 00:04:55,345 --> 00:04:57,504 find themselves going on dates with people they 137 00:04:57,504 --> 00:04:59,285 know deep down aren't it 138 00:04:59,665 --> 00:05:01,444 just to feel like they're doing something. 139 00:05:02,145 --> 00:05:05,285 But real trust means surrendering, not assisting. 140 00:05:06,785 --> 00:05:08,085 How to laugh it off? 141 00:05:08,819 --> 00:05:11,379 Picture God face palming in heaven every time 142 00:05:11,379 --> 00:05:13,479 you try to speed up his plan. 143 00:05:13,939 --> 00:05:16,259 He's got a good one. It's just sometimes 144 00:05:16,259 --> 00:05:18,099 we're like little kids in a candy store 145 00:05:18,099 --> 00:05:19,319 trying to rush things. 146 00:05:20,180 --> 00:05:22,419 Patience, laughter, and a sense of humor about 147 00:05:22,419 --> 00:05:24,240 the whole process go a long way. 148 00:05:25,200 --> 00:05:27,040 Imagine how great it'll feel when you can 149 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:30,080 look back and say, yep, God's timing was 150 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:31,060 better than mine.