Today's Scripture
Called the way you are – 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: 1 Corinthians 5-8 (CEB)
17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. 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 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but obeying the commandments of God is everything. 20 Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.
21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. 22 For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. 24 In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.
What does this passage mean to me/us
In this particular passage, Paul might be addressing the sensitive topics of the time.
Do the Gentiles who now believe Christ have to be circumcised?
Do the slaves be freed?
In a way, he is indirectly projecting his thoughts.
However, the point of this passage shows that God calls everyone for God’s purpose.
We do not make a change in our lives to respond to that call. Meaning, responding to God’s call doesn’t mean that we all have to be admitted to a Seminary.
God calls us the way we are. God uses us the way we are.
God does grow us for God’s call, but it is for the ones who commit to follow God’s lead in this journey.
What the passage is saying is that we should respond to God’s call now and here.
Prayer
Lord, help us to see how you call us for your mission. Help us to respond to your call, now and here. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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