Nehemiah 1:1-3:14 / 1 Corinthians 7:1-24 / Psalm 31:19-24 / Proverbs 21:4
So often we believe we must change to be accepted by God and people. What we are not always aware of is that God accepts us as we are, not just at our salvation but throughout the process of becoming more like Him. Our lives are meant to be a process of becoming. We are becoming more like Jesus. We will not reach a stage of perfection on earth. The perfection does not come until we are given a new body in eternity.
However, it is so difficult for most of us to be content with who we are and with the process we are in as we change. We are so hard on ourselves and are not usually willing to extend grace to ourselves. But we must extend grace, especially to ourselves and of course, to others.
There are several verses in 1 Corinthians 7 that encourage us to remain as we are when we begin our journey with Christ. And we should not seek to shift our position until and unless God’s Spirit speaks to us to do so. We can rest in the place we are in and be assured He will notify us when it’s time for a change.
1 Corinthians 7:20 states Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you.
The verses prior to this verse speak about circumcision, which would point to Jew versus Gentile during this time in history. The verses that follow verse 7 speak about slavery and freedom, which is again speaking to the culture of the time. If one were a Jew (circumcised) remain that way. If one were a Gentile (uncircumcised) remain that way. If one were a slave, remain so and if one were free, remain so.
Personal application in our society would tell us to keep our jobs, stay in our faith communities (unless they teach against scripture), stay within, and connected to your families, etc. Once we have experienced an inward change of our spirit person, we do not need to make a sudden outward change in circumstance.
Of course, we will begin to change outwardly regarding our character and decisions, because our outward change proves an inward transformation. It is expected of a follower of Jesus to become more like Jesus Christ with each passing day, week, and year. If our behavior is not outwardly changing, we may be stuck and in need of some discipleship.
You’ve heard the statement that you can’t put lipstick on a pig. A pig is still a pig, even with lipstick. A Christian is one inwardly first, then comes the change of behavior. The people around you should be aware that something has shifted. Your friends should see changes in you as you live and learn more about being like Jesus Christ by studying His Word and being part of Christian community.
It is by Grace we are saved, and it is by Grace we continue to transform into a person who more resembles the heart and intent of the Father. Our goal must be to be like Jesus Christ as He lived His life to show us the Father. It takes recognition of where we fall short, an intention to shift and change and a desire to work to align our hearts with scripture.
