Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
AWAKE O ZION!
nuchs because they were born that way; others were made
that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because
of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this
should accept it.’ Unlike the common attitude of today, the
New Testament seemed to hold celibacy in high regard. In
fact, Paul had said, in effect: ‘To marry is good. Not to marry
is better’ (paraphrase of 1 Cor 7:38).
Janie from the Farm was now a leader amongst the sisters.
She’d considered celibacy before but it was unheard of in the
circles she’d moved in. After joining us, she soon found a deep
fulfillment in community, took hold of the celibate gift, and
sought to live ‘in undivided devotion to the Lord’ (1 Cor 7:35).
Piers was another enthusiastic advocate of this path:
To me celibacy was the highest way according to Scripture, and
I didn’t want second best! I reckoned I could handle it temperamentally,
so I laid it before God. Shortly after that I was struck
by an article in New Wine magazine about being single for the
Lord and I knew God was telling me to ‘Go for it!’
Increasing numbers among us were finding the celibate gift
and making lifelong vows. Piers became a celibate leader at
Sheepfold — and a useful contrast to Pete and Carol with
their growing family! Piers wrote: ‘I didn’t want to get bogged
down in the cares of life. I never regretted it or hankered
after marriage. I just wanted to follow Jesus and travel as
light as possible! Time is short and there is so much to do.
Celibacy is priceless! It’s pure! I love the freedom it brings.’
In prophetic wisdom we saw celibacy as a precious gem
covered over by a cloth of fears, reserves, and general disap-
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