The Power of Preparation: Using Singleness to Build a Lasting Legacy

Singleness is often viewed as a waiting time to do nothing—to live with no goal or vision in mind aimlessly. A deep apathy fills our souls and stunts us from moving forward into the plans the Lord has for that season of life. Stuck in the longing we forget that there are things to take a hold of now. As singles, we often think the true purpose is found only when reaching the altar and saying, "I do, " or when we have children to raise.

While I do strongly believe that both marriage and raising children are worthy of being in pursuit of and desired, I want to challenge you to see that where you are right now is where the Lord has called you. Whether you are single for just today, a week, a month, or even a year. That is none of our business but what is our business is obedience to where the Lord has called.

Singleness can be a season of preparation, growth, and intentionality. A place where seeds can be sown to reap a fruit of harvest later. What if I told you that your season of singleness can be a foundation for cultivating a generational mindset? Have you ever heard of that before?

Here are things that you can do in this season to cultivate a foundation of a generational mindset:

1. Define your Visions and Values

"If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." by Zig Ziglar

If you do not know the visions and values that you have how do you expect to know if you are heading in the right direction or if you have strayed? Aiming at nothing is ultimately setting yourself up to achieve nothing. Not knowing what you are doing or where you are heading could lead to you just wasting time on things that do not add value. Ways to set direction:

• Take time to pray, seek the Lord, and even search the scriptures to know what your core values and beliefs are.

  • For example, If you are someone who desires marriage what does the bible say about it and what should you look for in a husband/wife.

• Write down your life goals and the things you would like to achieve. What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

• Consider what kind of family culture, habits, and traditions you would like to establish one day.

  • For example, I love playing the guitar. And I would love to have family worship.

Get EXCITED about where the Lord is leading you and calling you.

2. Invest in Personal Development

Right now is the time for growth and change. Do not postpone transformation when the Lord desires for you and me to walk in the freedom we already have in Christ right now. It's like being in a prison cell and the gate is wide open. You will have to roll up your sleeves and get ready to be uncomfortable. But I promise it will be all worth it. You can be the start to changing the trajectory of future generations by:

• Dealing with any sin that has a stronghold over you

• Dealing with family history (if there is any brokenness there)

• Dealing with trauma (seek biblical counsel)

• Working on your character flaws

• Becoming emotionally intelligent

• Growing in your walk with the Lord

• Developing healthy habits that will benefit you and those around you in the long run:

  • Taking care of your body

  • Time management

  • Being a good steward of your finances

• Invest in your education:

  • Take online courses

  • Read books

  • Attend seminars

• Get a mentor

  
  

There is so much you can do now to grow and become the man or woman God desires for you to be.

3. Build Financial Wisdom

Do not just spend your money frivolously. Often the attitude that can be had in singleness is I only need to care for myself so I can spend money in any way and anyhow. I can surely tell you that cultivating a mindset such as this will leave you broke. If you want to build generational wealth you need to learn how to steward your finances, do this by:

• Seeing what scripture says about money

• Getting rid of any limiting beliefs you have about money

• Establishing a solid financial plan with budgeting, saving, and investing

• Avoid unreasonable debt

• Payoff debt

• Build wealth intentionally to leave an inheritance and create opportunities for others

• Learn about generational wealth principles such as:

  • Real Estate

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Passive Income Streams

4. Strengthen Relationships

One of the biggest complaints from single people is that they are lonely. Just because you are single does not mean you have to live with the idea that you are lonely. There are people whom the Lord has placed in your life that he wants you to go deeper in your relationship. There may be strained relationships in which the Lord wants to restore and do something new. Here are ways you can strengthen those relationships:

• Learn what healthy communication looks like

• Learn how to resolve conflict

• Be intentional about serving and adding value to those around you

• Plan fun activities

• Show your friends and family that you love them

• Ask questions (there is always something new to learn about your loved ones)

5. Develop a Legacy Mindset

In this day and age having a long-term perspective does not happen by accident. It must be worked at and cultivated. And just because you are single does not mean you have to be selfish. There I said it. Yes, your time will look different and you have more time to do the things which you prefer and like. Which is not a bad thing. But I do believe it is easy to get caught up within yourself as a single person. I know I can easily fall into this trap. Let's challenge ourselves in our singleness to see it as an opportunity to serve and love those around us. Think beyond yourself by:

• Assessing how your current actions can impact future generations

• Invest time in serving your Church or local community

• Be a disciple maker ( the Lord Jesus called all of us to make disciples)

• Contribute to causes that align with your values

• Practice gratitude and contentment while keeping a long-term perspective in mind

6. Stayed Rooted in the Lord

Your relationship with the Lord is the most important relationship that you will ever have in your life. Why not use this season of singleness to maximize your closeness with Him. To create a deep and intimate walk with Him that would sustain you for the road ahead. And even be the foundation for a legacy of faithfulness. The Lord wants you to know Him. He desires that you abide in him (John 15). Do this by:

• Praying without ceasing (constantly being in communion with him):

  • Pray about the thoughts that cloud your mind

  • Pray for the names of the people that appear in your head

  • Pray about the struggles you are facing

  • Pray about the desires you have

  • Offer up thanksgiving to Him

• Memorize Scripture

• Set aside daily time to read the scriptures

• Share the GOOD NEWS!

• Practice gratitude

• Practice the Sabbath (the Lord is in control and He offers rest for you)

Trust that this season is purposeful (through the highs and lows), may your walk with the Lord be SWEET!

7. Embrace the Present

My dear single friends be present. While it is important to think about the future, don't forget to enjoy the present season. The Lord hears your longings you are not alone. But I plead with you to not allow your longings to steal the joy of the present moment. There is so much the Lord wants to do in you now. Offer up all that you are to him and let him have his way in you. Embrace the present by:

• Spend time with your friends and family

• Pursue Hobbies

• Explore Passions

• Serve those around you

• Get involved in community

• Start your own blog :)

This season of singleness is an opportunity to grow, build, and prepare for a future that impacts generations to come. What are area(s) you would like to grow in?