Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Corinthians+007
CHAPTER 7 (ESV)
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 bondservant when 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.
REFLECTION:
- We’d like to think that our married status, vocational status, economic status make us who we are. These are important but not essential raw materials which God uses to shape His life in us. So, Paul told them don’t wish to be someplace else or with someone else. God, not your marital status or any other thing, defines your life (v17).
- What are some of the things that I’d like to have changed in my life? Would verses 17 & 19 provide some direction and principle? Tell God about it and, if needed, contact your pastor for further help.
PRAYER:
Be still before God, may God help me understand that my identity and worth are determined by God, not by how much worldly success I achieve. May God guide me to faithfully engage in my current job, courageously shouldering my responsibilities, so that in both significant and minor tasks, I may wholeheartedly strive to seek God’s pleasure.
HYMN:
I Surrender All – youtu.be/xSPcuV5Sli8
