MONDAY, JUNE 26
1 Corinthians 7:17-24
Ephesians 4:1

"Let every man abide in the same
calling wherein he was called."

ABIDE IN GOD’S CALLING

The term "call" (kaleō) in its verb or noun forms occurs nine times in 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. The theme of this passage, therefore, has to do with a person’s calling. Paul’s command is for everyone to abide in what God has called us to do. This command is repeated three times for emphasis (1 Cor 7:17, 20, 24). Until God tells us to do something different, we must always abide in His calling for the glory of God’s name.

In 1 Corinthians 7:17, Paul made it clear that everyone has been given a specific call by the Lord. To each vocation He calls us, He also gives the necessary gifts for us to fulfil our call. For example, if a person has been called unto singlehood, God will grant him the grace to abide in this calling to glorify His name. Similarly, a person who is called to be married will be granted the grace to handle his married life. What is critical is that a person does not seek to do something which the Lord has not called him to. Let him who is called to be single abide in singlehood. And let him who is called to be married get married and establish a godly family.

Paul then extended the principle to other general cases. A person who is a Jew does not need to live like a Gentile. And a Gentile should not be required to live like a Jew. This was a critical question that was settled by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. The conclusion was that the Gentiles were not to be troubled to live like a Jew, but they were bound to observe four things: abstain from pollution of idols, fornication, things strangled and from blood (Acts 15:20).

Once we understand that we must abide in whatever God’s calling is for us, we must also serve with all our might wherever God places us. God has bought us with a price. Do we then not owe Him all that we have? Thus, let us seek not our own devices, but submit to Him with all that we have.

THOUGHT: What has God called me to do?
PRAYER: Lord, wherever Thou leadest, I will go.