1 Corinthians 7:17-24

In 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, we learn that in order to be useful for God and a faithful follower of Jesus, you don’t need to make radical changes to your cultural or ethnic identity, your social status, or your occupation. God is ready to use you for the glory of his name and the advance of his kingdom right where you are as you are. He repeats this guiding principle 3 different times in 3 slightly different ways in these few verses. Verse 17, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” Verse 20, “20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.” And, verse 24, “24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.”
Paul is saying that your position in this life – whether it’s cultural, socioeconomic, or occupational – doesn’t define you. All of those things are secondary to your primary identity in Christ. We can flourish in our walk with Christ right where we are when he calls us to Himself. So, this passage provides us with three helpful principles to help us live for the glory of Christ where God has placed us: