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.
(1 Corinthians 7:17)
Read: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Devotion: Are some professions spiritually superior to others? And if so, which ones? Most Christians would probably instinctually answer with the affirmative, providing answers such as “pastors” or “missionaries.” These professionals typically have the opportunity to extensively study the Bible and/or preach the gospel all day, thus making it seem as though their jobs are more pleasing to God. This has been a prevailing thought throughout the church age. For a time, being a monk was seen as the spiritually superior calling. Monks were greatly secluded and able to be totally devoted to studying the Bible and prayer 24/7. Surely that life is the most pleasing to God, right? This thinking extends beyond just the religious professions as well. It extends to all work and even all stations of life. “If I wasn’t just a…. I could serve God better.” “If I get that promotion, that will give me the opportunities to really serve God in an impactful way.” “My state/country is completely godless, but if I’m just able to move to a more godly area I can be much more effective for the kingdom.” The foundation for this view is the thought that change is necessary to serve God and serve him well. “I need change in my life to have a better relationship with God.” To those who think that way, or who are tempted to think that way, Paul says this: “Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called” (v. 20).
The Corinthian church appeared to have the mistaken notion that celibacy and singleness are spiritually superior to marriage. Therefore, they felt a need for change, either in the marriage bed or in their relationship status as a whole. While Paul agrees with them that singleness does have its benefits (vv. 32-34), he completely disagrees with them that it is in any way the superior lifestyle. If one has the gifting, then yes, remaining single would be of great benefit for them, but if one does not have that particular gift, marriage would be the greater benefit (vv. 7-9).
This thinking of superior and inferior religious lifestyles obviously could not be contained to just the sphere of marriage. If you believe that a change in one area of life could lead to a better relationship to God, then of course all other areas of life are free game. Especially with a church that was likely made up of those who were on the lower rungs of the societal ladder (1:26). Many of them were likely slaves (7:21-22). How could a slave be able to serve God as effectively as a free person? Certainly change would be necessary for them to live faithful lives to God, right? Paul tells them, “Absolutely not.” Our service and worship and faithfulness to God do not depend on our station or status in life at all.
Our service and worship and faithfulness to God do not depend on our station or status in life at all.
Why is that? Because our salvation, from start to finish, depends only on Christ and our union to him. In Christ we are both free (from bondage to sin and our flesh) and slave (to Christ and righteousness). In Christ every Christian is on an even spiritual playing field. There is no superior or inferior Christian because all have been purchased with the same price and covered with the same righteousness (v. 23). This isn’t to say that certain lifestyles or professions don’t have their own advantages or disadvantages. Being free is better than being a slave, and so we are free to change our status if we are given the opportunity to do so (v. 21). However, Paul’s whole point is that the change you may desiring in your life is not necessary for you to live faithfully. If you never get a promotion, if you never own a home that is big enough to host, if you never get your freedom, if you never become a pastor, you can live a life that will lead to the joy of your master at your homecoming. Change, in regard to your status or job or condition of life, is not necessary for you to live out your faith. God has equipped you in Christ to be able to live according to his word in whatever place you might be. May that encourage you to live ever more faithfully and contentedly in whatever life that Christ has assigned to you.
Ponder and Pray: Ponder why it is dangerous to view a change in life as necessary to living a faithful life to God. Finish by praying for gratefulness and wisdom in serving God right where he has placed you.
