Jachin—Singapore

It is said that dissatisfaction is the mother of improvement and the fuel of ambition. Technological advances are made when people seek solutions to unsatisfactory situations, and we are taught to continually seek improvement in our lives, not maintaining the status quo.

However, the Bible teaches something very different. Paul writes:

Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. (1 Cor 7:20)

Paul encourages the believers in Corinth to remain in the state they are in, even if their circumstances do not seem ideal. Why does the Bible give such a teaching? How is this message relevant to our lives today?

GOD PLACES US IN DIFFERENT STATES

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. (1 Cor 7:17)

God calls every one of us in different states and stages in our lives. In Paul's time, some believers were called while unmarried, and others were called while married. Some were circumcised at the time of their calling, and others, uncircumcised. Some were slaves, others free. Paul instructs them to continue in the same state they were called, whatever that state may be. In fact, he repeats the sentiment twice more and adds, "so I ordain in all the churches" (1 Cor 7:17, 20, 24).

Why does Paul place such emphasis on this principle? Because it is human nature to feel dissatisfied, especially when we see others who are better off. Comparison is the thief of joy. When a fellow believer is blessed by God in their lives, we may expect similar blessings. However, this will not always be the case!

Concerning our spiritual status, we are all equal; we have all had our sins forgiven and are all children of God. However, with regard to our worldly state, we cannot expect equality since it was God Himself who placed us in our respective situations (1 Cor 7:17).

The Bible is not opposed to changes that make our lives better. However, the Bible is opposed to dissatisfaction.

Let us take a closer look at this principle and how it can apply to different groups of people.

TO THE UNMARRIED

Recognize God's Purpose for You

But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am. (1 Cor 7:8)

The Bible says, "It is not good for man to be alone" (Gen 2:18) and "Two are better than one" (Eccl 4:9). Why, then, does Paul say that it is good to remain unmarried?

Paul mentions that this was not a commandment from the Lord but from his own judgment (1 Cor 7:25). However, he says, "I think I also have the Spirit of God" (1 Cor 7:40)—in other words, his judgment was guided by the Holy Spirit. There would be little reason for an uninspired opinion to be recorded for us in the Bible as all Scripture is useful for teaching and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16–17).

The context of the time informs Paul's judgment: the Corinthian believers were in a time of distress, facing intense persecution (1 Cor 7:26). Remaining unmarried would thus spare them "trouble in the flesh" (1 Cor 7:28). Married men care about how to please their wives. Married women care about how to please their husbands (1 Cor 7:34). This is not wrong—spouses have a responsibility to please each other. But these spousal responsibilities, combined with the added stress of external persecution, would divert their attention away from pleasing the Lord (7:32–33).

However, Paul does not propose that every unmarried person should remain so. The condition for remaining unmarried is the ability to exercise self-control (1 Cor 7:9). Without this, the person may burn with passion and even commit sin. Since this gift of celibacy is not universal (1 Cor 7:7), there is no sin in getting married, even in times of persecution.

Today, we may not be undergoing significant stress or persecution. But Paul's counsel remains highly pertinent because those without the gift of celibacy may experience a period of singlehood that lasts longer than expected, making them frustrated that they have not found a suitable partner in the Lord. In such situations, some believers hold God to ransom and demand that He give them the person they like, while others take matters into their own hands and look for a partner outside of church. If we are at such a stage of singlehood, let us not move ahead of God.

There was a preacher whose sister was of marriageable age but could not find anyone. So, he told her, "Let us commit this matter to our daily prayers, and if God wills, you will find a husband." She followed his advice and prayed about it every day^[b], and after some time, she indeed met someone and married in the Lord.

God has a purpose for every situation He puts us in. If we are single right now, His purpose is not to frustrate us but to allow us to devote ourselves to the matters of God (1 Cor 7:32). We should entrust our marriage prospects into His hands and allow Him to work in our lives. Let us remain in the state He has called us and not become frustrated while we are single.

TO THE MARRIED

Have a Christ-Centered Perspective

Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (1 Cor 7:10–11)

In the previous case, Paul gave a concession to single believers who wanted to get married. In this case, Paul commands married believers hankering to exit their marriage: "A wife is not to depart from her husband" and "a husband is not to divorce his wife."

This command extends to unions where one spouse has come to believe in the Lord, but the other has not. The Bible tells us that this is an incompatible marriage—but even so, Paul says that one cannot divorce their unbelieving wife or husband (2 Cor 6:14; 1 Cor 7:13).

There could be many reasons sparking a believer's desire to leave their unbelieving spouse, such as differences in belief, the spouse's bad character, or neglect of the family. While the world accepts these as grounds for divorce, Paul says these are not valid reasons. As long as the other party is willing to live with us, we cannot divorce them (1 Cor 7:12–13).

Similarly, Jesus tells us that adultery is the only acceptable cause for divorce (Mt 5:32; 19:9). Unhappiness is not. In our marriage vows, we say, "For better, for worse, in sickness and in health." We do not say "until I am unhappy."

Some time ago, I stumbled upon an online Christian forum where many wives considered leaving their marriages. They had many complaints against their husbands, such as "he did not do this," "he hasn't changed," or "I can't stand him anymore." The phrase "I am unhappy" often appeared. When challenged with the word of God, they replied, "But what about my happiness?" A forum member replied, "God is not interested in your happiness. God is interested in your obedience."

This is not entirely true. God is interested in our happiness. However, true and lasting happiness can only come from obeying God. From a self-centered perspective, we may view our happiness as more important than God's commands. From a Christ-centered perspective, we accept our circumstances, holding space for the possibility that things may change for the better (1 Cor 7:16). In the end, we may even save our unbelieving spouse!

Often, people walk out of their marriages because they have the misconception that they will be happier if they are free of the other party. But in reality, true happiness does not come from our worldly state. We find joy in Christ, regardless of our state, if we obey the commandments of God.

Before marriage, we carefully consider whether to enter into marriage, but after marriage, separation should not be an option. Instead, let us remain in the state we were called (1 Cor 7:24).

TO THE CIRCUMCISED AND UNCIRCUMCISED

Know What Matters

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. (1 Cor 7:18–19)

To some Jews, circumcision was everything. It signified their special status and covenant with God. It mattered so much to some of the Jewish Christians that they tried to force the Gentile Christians to become circumcised as well. But here, Paul shatters their worldview: circumcision actually counts for nothing in Christ!

Then, there was another group of Jewish believers who was ashamed of being circumcised and wanted to become uncircumcised. However, Paul tells them that what really matters is whether they keep God's commandments.

Today, we probably have no desire to become circumcised or uncircumcised. However, there may be other things we proudly cling to or seek, such as academic accomplishments, financial success, or social influence. While the world looks highly upon these, Paul puts them into perspective: such status markers are worthless compared to gaining Christ (Phil 3:4–8).

Conversely, we may be ashamed of our circumstances, such as growing up in a poor or troubled family. The feeling of shame drives people to change their situation or seek some form of escape, positive or otherwise. These aspects of our history may feel significant, but Paul reminds us that such distinctions do not matter in Christ (Gal 3:28–29; Col 3:11). As Christians, we should accept the circumstances we came from and may still exist in. Do not take these to heart because we dwell with God in whatever state we are called (1 Cor 7:24).

TO THE SLAVES

Be Content in Any Situation

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. (1 Cor 7:21–23)

In those days, slaves were on the lowest rung of society. There was no equality between a slave and his master; the slave was always inferior. But Paul says that those called as slaves should not be overly concerned because, from a Christ-centered perspective, it is of no consequence. Whether we are a slave or free in the world, in Christ, we are free. Moreover, in Christ, we are all slaves to Him (1 Cor 7:22).

Traditional slavery has long been abolished. However, many of us may be slaves to our work. We slog to gain a promotion or incessantly seek a higher-paying job to free ourselves from the drudgery of lowly-paid labor. We pursue side hustles or start a business to achieve financial independence. There is nothing wrong with taking the opportunities presented to us—as Paul tells the slaves, "if you can be made free, rather use it" (1 Cor 7:21). The problem is when we become overly concerned about these things—when we start sacrificing our family time, our mental and physical health, and our relationship with God to climb the corporate ladder and pursue a better status.

Undoubtedly, slaves who witnessed others gaining freedom would desire the same liberation. The desirable outcomes that hard work can bring—affluence, an aspirational lifestyle, early retirement—are even more apparent in this age of global mass marketing and social media. While the Bible advocates working hard in our worldly labors (Prov 6:6; 13:11; 14:23), we must have the correct perspective.

We labor for our daily needs and sustenance (Gen 3:19; 2 Thess 3:10–12), not to build wealth and improve social status. We work diligently because it is God's will for us to serve our masters in the world with sincerity and submission, as to the Lord (Col 3:22–23; 1 Pet 2:18–20). We cannot serve both our heavenly Master and mammon (Mt 6:24). So while we work diligently within the expectations of our particular vocations, we should not enslave ourselves to our work and become overly concerned with pursuing a higher status. Do not become slaves to material rewards but focus on the spiritual—laying up treasures in heaven (Mt 6:19–20, 25–34).

Paul exemplifies the ideal perspective: to be content regardless of our status (Phil 4:11–12). He was not discontented in times of need or smug in abundance. He could accept any state God wanted him to be in, whether rich or poor. Can we do the same?

CONCLUSION

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. (1 Cor 7:29–31) 

We should not weep if there are things in this world that we do not possess nor overly rejoice if we do possess them. Since the form of the world is passing away, whatever state we are in is only temporary. So, what is there to weep or rejoice over?

If one owned the world for five minutes, would he rejoice? If one lost all his worldly possessions for five minutes, would he grieve? Whether it is five minutes or five decades, our current state is only temporary; it will pass one day. Therefore, we should not cling to the things of this world as though they mean everything to us. Instead, let us remain in the same state in which we were called—to be content with whatever situation God has placed us in.