Work Where You Were Called

Good morning, people! Anthony, here. I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter weekend, despite the potential stresses of this virus mess. I've got a quick word from my morning read, if you're interested.

If you ask anyone who knows me, they'll tell you that one of my favorite letters in the Bible is 1 Corinthians. There's just so much in every sentence. I can read it over and over forever and always find something new to work on in myself. And today's scripture was just as powerful:

'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. Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 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. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.' -I Corinthians 7:17-24

Many of us are called and saved by Christ in the middle of our own design of life. And a lot of that behavior needs to be changed for the good of humanity. But here, Paul is talking about those circumstances in life that have nothing to do with morality that doesn't need to be changed at all. Just circumstances. I've been raised in a Christian home and I've seen many Christians be saved and only ever want to be surrounded by believers. Christian movies, Christian dentists, Christian stores, Christian jobs and Christian neighborhoods. Now, I understand wanting to be surrounded by like minded individuals and changing everything about yourself because you were created a new, but I think we must understand what of us has been created a new.

Our hearts have been changed so that we understand the world in all of it's complications, beauty and immortality. Seeing the world through the eyes of God. We are called to make a difference in the hearts of men so that they may see Christ through us. Our circumstances hold no power over Christ. Our mindset and spirituality does. And I think that is what Paul is getting at. Unless it is, in fact, immoral, your circumstance is your opportunity to prove to the world that Christ can overcome everything and the example of that is you. It's not where you live that counts. Not where you work. Not the school you're going to. Not the family you have. Not the spouse you have. Not the kids you have. What counts is what you allow Christ to do through you in these circumstances.

'Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.'

Have a great day and know that you are a billboard for Christ on whatever freeway you were placed.

-Anthony Hinojoza