Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
1 Corinthians 7:24 NIV
This can be a challenging verse. As a child of God, are you married or single? Rich, poor, or in between? White, black, or brown? Man, woman, or child? Whatever condition you find yourself in, learn to be content. Learn to honor God in the situation you are in.
I do not believe that Paul is arguing against ever changing our situation. While he tells the Corinthians to be content if they are slaves, he does recommend they accept their freedom if it is offered. Instead, he would seem to be focusing our attention on what is more important. After all, my life here is only temporary, and I have an eternity to look forward to. I should not invest all of my time and energy in changing my position in this world. A position that will only endure for a few years. Instead, I should focus on what is to come, looking forward and preparing for it. So don’t let your position in this life get you down. Be content and rejoice that you are loved.
Learn the Secret of Contentment in Life
Paul further expresses his thoughts on this in Philippians 4:12-13 in response to a gift sent him by the Philippian church. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
