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. God loves you. So be content and rejoice in that.
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 to 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.”
Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
Amen. I do want that life.
What is eternity? Does it really mean we live forever and ever. Do people actually want to live forever? I’m not sure that I do. What are your thoughts on this?
Eternal life is life without end. But it is more than that. As good as my life is, I would not want it to go on forever. But eternal life is also a quality of life. In John 17:3, Jesus said “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus. Not just intellectually. We will live in close communion with them. And that is the life that will go on without end.