2 Corinthians 1:24 – “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.” NKJV

1 Corinthians 7:17-24 – “But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.  20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.  22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.”  NKJV

As I mentioned last devotional, Paul presented four arguments that we should remain as we are and let God make the changes from within.  Let us consider them briefly.

• We Are Called by God.

Verse 17 – “As the Lord has called each one…”  That idea is repeated in (verses 18, 20, 21, and 24).  He used the words ‘called’ and ‘calling’ nine times.  He concluded with (verse 24) – “Brethren, let each one remain with God in the state in which he was called.”  Please understand that does not mean if we are offered a promotion, we are to automatically turn it down.  It simply means that you do not immediately make radical changes, but you allow God to change things from within.  God has called us; therefore, we allow Him to open the doors and make the changes.  He can and He will!

• We Have Been Assigned by God.

Verse 17 – “AS God has distributed to every man…”  Our place in society, on our job, our spiritual gifts, and abilities are assignments from God.  God knows exactly what He is doing and when He desires to make changes He will.  If we arbitrarily make radical changes, we will royally mess everything up.  Most of us have been guilty in some areas.  Please understand that does not mean we are not to seek to better our condition.  Nobody wants to remain in a difficult situation, but we must also learn to make the most of where we are and rest in God, trusting Him completely.

• We Belong to God.

Verse 23 – “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.”  You belong to God!  The value of any object is the price paid for it.  It is amazing the price some people will pay for various things.  Jesus Christ shed His blood for us and that reveals the value God places on each of us.  “You are bought with a price…”  You and I belong to God, therefore, “do not become slaves of men.”

• We Should Abide with Him.

Verse 24 – “Let every man… abide with God.”  If you are where God has placed you, doing the job God has given you to do – You Are Abiding With God!  If you rebel against His will, you will not Abide with or in God!  If we do not Abide, we cannot bear spiritual fruit!

Therefore, it is imperative that we Abide where He has planted us and stay planted until He transplants us.  We have an Assignment from the LORD and until we complete that assignment, we are not likely to be given another.  The saying, “Bloom where you are planted” is applicable.

God, bless you richly is my prayer and desire!