1 Cor 7:17 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. 18 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. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.

Verse 19 is fascinating.  Circumcision is certainly a commandment of God. Sure Jesus explained what the greatest commandments are back in Matt 22

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

And showed us how these principles work in real life, particularly as His love for people was more important than obedience to the Sabbath.   But this particular passage is very interesting because it speaks to thing that only affect self.  Paul calls for each of us to “remain,” rather than strive to become legalistic.  He goes on to apply this to being a slave or free, which I think applies to our vocations as well.  Christ certainly said that anyone who forsakes their own family and belongings to follow him would reap great rewards, but it seems the vast majority of us are in another boat, and in the words of a late friend, ‘bloom where you are planted.’

Be motivated primarily by by Love.  God is Love.  This is walking in the Spirit.

This youtube video about men stealing meat from lions is a fantastic natural illustration of supernatural faith. If the lions smell even the slightest hint of fear, it is over for these guys. May we likewise take our stand in the evil day with unwavering courage and confidence in God’s word.