1 CORINTHIANS 7
17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservantwhen called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. – 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
1 CORINTHIANS 7 LEAD THE LIFE YOU ARE ASSIGNED
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When God calls you to be part of his kingdom
Remain in that condition whatever you are doing
Lead the life that you are assigned, that is your vocation
Don’t change anything, let God make the transformation
You were bought with a price, remember his steadfast love
Respond to God’s calling with all your heart, soul and mind.
In this letter, Paul emphasizes the grace and gift that God gives to those whom he calls into his kingdom. It didn’t matter whether they were slaves or free, married or single. In verse 20 he advised them to remain in the condition in which they were called to serve. He gave the examples of being a servant or a free man, single or married.
Why do you think Paul stresses to them the importance of staying put when they are invited to God’s kingdom? Paul wanted them to focus on God’s power and grace, not on their limited human capacities. Paul wants them to see the power of God himself. He can transform however mundane your condition was and use you as a vessel to make himself known to mankind and his will fulfilled.
REFLECTION
- What was the condition of your life when you were called to serve God?
