1 Corinthians 7:20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Thoughts for Today Have you ever wondered why Paul required the Corinthians to remain in the positions they held when God called them? I think it is because they suffered from the same condition so many of us are trapped by today -- its called: If only I. If only I was married to a Christian husband (or wife), then I would have the support I need to really serve the Lord. If only I didnt have so many children, so many bills, such a high pressure job, a bad back...then I would truly be a useful instrument of God. The if only I excuse is a lie that says our current circumstance is whats holding us back. The truth is, although we may be in different situations, we can adapt to whatever external conditions we may find. Our environment shouldnt change the core of who we are. Think of the chameleon: when it moves from the sidewalk to the grass, its skin color changes from gray to green. But its basic shape doesnt change. It still likes the same food, and its internal organs all function the same way. Differing external conditions have an effect on the chameleon; however, environment alone does not compromise its fundamental nature. Paul is saying the same thing to us -- regardless of whether we are single, married to a believer or a non-believer -- it doesnt matter. Our external circumstances do not define who we are in Christ. So what should define us? Two things: first, the fact that we were called into a saving relationship with Jesus; and second, our situation when God called us. We are right now where God wants us to be. The question is: Are we serving God in the position He placed us? Questions to Ponder: Have you allowed your external circumstances to define whether or not you serve God? How so? What defines you? In what ways does your thinking need to change to reflect the indwelling Spirit of God regardless of your present environment? What limitations have you placed upon yourself?
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:14:08 +0000
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