ABIDE IN Y0UR CALLING

1 Corinthians 7:17-20 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

At the time Paul wrote this letter, there was no doubt, many instances where one party of a marriage gave their life to Jesus, and became a Christian through acts of obedience, while the other party remained an unbeliever. This marriage situation may have become stressful for both parties. If this situation existed, verses 12 and 13 above tell us that neither party is to put away, or abandon the other party - the marriage is still recognized in the eyes of God and should continue. However, the situation may cause the unbeliever to depart, separate, and even go through a civil divorcement. Verse 15 tells us that if this occurs, the believer is to let the unbeliever depart. Verse 16 gives us the best resolution to this unequally yoked marriage: if the marriage continues as a faithful relationship, it is possible that the unbelieving party will eventually be converted and also accept Jesus as their Savior, just as the believing party had done. This marriage situation assuredly took place during this biblical era, and still takes place in today's society.

The marriage relationship, although stressful at times, should not result in separation, and certainly not in divorcement. Paul uses this analysis of believing/unbelieving marriage partners in order to make a broader application to all instances when one becomes a Christian. Using one's talents in their chosen profession should not cease when one becomes a Christian. The assumption here is that their profession is honest, legal, and ethical. The continuation of a worthy occupation is expected of a new Christian. Whatever his vocation might be, so let him walk, that is, let him continue in that work. This teaching, Paul says, is not unique to the church at Corinth, but rather he uses this same inspired teaching in all churches.

The circumcision of Jewish people does not affect their conversion to Christianity. Neither is conversion affected by the uncircumcision of people from heathen nations that become Christians. Circumcision of Jewish Christians, and uncircumcision of Gentile Christians has no bearing upon becoming, and remaining a child of God, under New Testament law. The hope of salvation is not affected by customs and traditions such as this. If "called" to be a Jew or a Gentile, or if one is born into any other ethnicity, so let him walk. Nationality, color of skin, or any other distinguishing characteristic, does not affect becoming a Christian.

Becoming a Christian does not destroy honest and just social conditions of the world. Bible history contains many instances of master/servant relationships. Secular history reveals the same throughout the world and spans all periods of time. When conducted in a righteous and just manner, master/servant relationships are no more significant than employer/employee relationships. God does not condemn righteous relationships such as these. After all, when one becomes a Christian, they become a servant of Jesus Christ, because ye were bought with a price, not of silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, that was shed on the cross at Calvary (See the following verses 21-23). Becoming a Christian does not automatically change one's status in life. In what ever state one happens to be, so let him walk.

Verse 20, of the lesson text says, Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. The following verse 24 is the exclamation point to this verse. It reads, Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. Into whatever social climate one is born; into whatever profession one is called to use their god-given talents, so let him walk. Becoming a Christian does not require separation from society, profession, or family, as long as one walks in love, honestly and justice. In whatever situation of life, therein abide. The exclamation point added to this in verse 24 is, therein abidewith God. How is one's life on earth to be conducted? With God as their overseer and guide. Christians are to work with (their) own hands, ...that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without (1 Thess. 4:11-12). And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23-24).