Living a Life Set Apart for the Lord
LIVING SINGLE FOR THE LORD (LSFL)
IN THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
As Christians and members of the Sword of the Spirit, we are all called to a life of radical discipleship, regardless of our state in life. Some respond to God’s invitation by choosing to live a life set apart for Him—a life wholly dedicated to the Lord. In the Sword of the Spirit, we call this Living Single for the Lord to highlight its purpose: not simply "not marrying," but actively living for the Lord with undivided devotion.
Today, God continues to call women to this way of life, inviting them to embrace Living Single for the Lord in order to serve his mission and the work of the Sword of the Spirit.
Brief History of LSFL
Celibacy was not part of Jewish Old Testament tradition; childlessness was seen as a reproach or punishment for sin. Jesus introduced a new way of life—he remained unmarried and presented celibacy as a way to live for the kingdom: “Some have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:12).
Paul reaffirmed this in 1 Corinthians 7, emphasizing that an unmarried woman is freer to devote herself to the Lord: “The unmarried woman and the virgin are anxious about the affairs of the Lord… but the married woman is anxious about the affairs of the world” (1 Corinthians 7:34). As the early Church grew, many embraced celibacy for the kingdom.
In those times, consecrated virgins typically lived with their families. Early vows of virginity were personal commitments with no formal structure—simply a witness to the kingdom and an expression of wholehearted devotion to God.
Reasons to Live Single for the Lord
CHOOSING CHRIST
To have the Lord as our greatest treasure and portion (Psalm 16), setting aside other good things to give him our whole heart. We choose to have Christ about all else.
IMITATING JESUS
Jesus himself chose not to marry. In following him, we embrace this way of life to reflect his example and grow in likeness to him.
A PROPHETIC WITNESS
LSFL testifies to God’s personal love and our call to love him wholeheartedly. It is a sign that this world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:29-35) and a foretaste of the final marriage feast of the Lamb.
OFFERING OF SELF
To love the Lord with an undivided heart, giving ourselves as fully as possible—our love, energy, and devotion—as an act of total surrender.
SERVING FREELY
To be more available for the Lord’s work, unburdened by the responsibilities of raising a family (1 Corinthians 7:25-38), and free to serve wherever he calls.
Basic Elements
Chastity
Living single for the Lord requires maturity and strength—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Women called to this vocation choose to live chastely, surrendering marriage, motherhood, and romantic intimacy as a free offering to God. This commitment also involves integrating sexual and emotional desires in a way that deepens love for the Lord and strengthens a life of service. Rooted in trust, joy, and peace, it is a path that reflects the confidence that God alone is enough.