Slave

We are making our way through a letter Paul wrote to Jesus followers in Corinth. Today, Paul forces us to take a long look at who is in control.


1 Corinthians 7
17 Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. 18 For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. 19 For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments. 20 Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. 21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you - but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. 23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. 24 Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.


Slave. There are so many great phrases in this passage; but one really stood out, “you are now a slave of Christ ... so don’t be enslaved by the world”. The question that keeps rolling through my mind is, “Who/what controls me?” Am I a slave to this world and what it considers important? Am I a slave to Jesus and what he considers important? A pretty good question to consider ... especially this time of year.