Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.
(1 Corinthians 7:17-20, NASB)
God calls each of us uniquely. What He’s called me to do is different than what He’s called you to do. And vice versa. Each of us needs to walk in the manner to which God has called us.
It doesn’t matter if one is a Jew or a Gentile, if he has committed his life to Christ, he is to do as God called him. In the early church, a huge controversy existed about Gentiles and circumcision. Jewish Christians insisted that Gentile converts be circumcised according to the law. But Paul said that circumcision was part of the old covenant, and with Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection, He fulfilled the law and established a new covenant. Therefore, a Gentile Christian was to “remain in that condition in which he was called.”
We don’t really have to be concerned about this issue today; however, we do need to take to heart Paul’s words: “… what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.”
No matter where you were, no matter where you come from, once you know God, once you’ve committed your life to His calling, then you need to focus on Him. Focus on His commandments. Make Him the number one priority in your life. Study His word, applying its truths.
Indeed, let me repeat: Walk in the manner to which God has called you.
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