Our Calling in the World and in the Kingdom (Wednesday, August 7)

 The Word of the Day is “remain.” In our daily scripture study, we read some surprising practical advice. In 1 Corinthians 7:12-24. St. Paul says, “Let each [believer] remain in the calling in which he was called” (1 Cor. 7:20). This instruction of 'remaining' implies a steadfast commitment to the will of God, even if it seems contrary to societal norms that prioritize personal ambitions. It's a call to prioritize our spiritual journey over worldly pursuits.  Yet it seems to accept slavery, though St. Paul says that “…if you can be made free, rather use it [take the opportunity]”  (1 Cor. 21).  Today, we reconsider our initial impressions of this text by looking at it from the perspective that St. Paul teaches that we have a higher calling than our career in this world.

In our reading, Paul says we should “stay” or “continue” (Strong’s160) in the situation that we had when we first responded to the Gospel. This station in this life may be single or married, circumcised or uncircumcised, enslaved persons or free. Elsewhere, Paul says we should look at this station in life as a divine calling and that one should serve the Lord in it without seeking to change it (1 Cor. 7:20).

Our Belonging to the Kingdom Defines and Transforms Us

To the standards of this age, Paul’s advice about staying in place is against our values. Our norm is always to try to better oneself and one’s social circumstances. But St. Paul contrasts our calling to be part of the Kingdom of God to the vocation of our career.

In this world, people define us by our social group, occupation, and achievements. These are markers of our social standing. But Paul says, “In Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything but a New Creation” (OSB Galatians 6:15). Then, too, he writes, “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, and there is neither bond nor free, and there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:27-29).

The Dividing Lines of Social Status Are Erased

The old stations in life, such as male or female, single or married, enslaved person or free, Jew or Greek, remain in this world, and we serve the Lord in them. But in the Body of Christ, these dividing lines are erased. All the members of Christ’s Body share equally in the inheritance of salvation promised to Abraham. Thus, in Paul’s view, our chief concern should be our belonging to the fellowship of the saints.

The priority of our status among the People of God should not excuse or dismiss the immorality and inhumanity of slavery. In the Roman Empire at the time of Paul, up to one-half of the population were slaves, and the Roman way of life depended on them. However, Paul’s theology of equality in the Body of Christ changes the viewpoint toward enslaved people, if not slavery. We see this in the case of Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. 

Receive the Runaway Slave as a Beloved Brother

Onesimus ran away from Philemon and stole money from him. In Rome, Paul taught him the Gospel. Then the apostle sent him back to his “owner” with the letter we know as Philemon. But Paul’s instruction in that letter was remarkable. Paul asks Philemon to take Onesimus back without recrimination. Moreover, he tells Philemon to treat him as “more than a slave” but “a beloved brother” in Christ (OSB Philemon 15-16). The Orthodox Study Bible comments, “While the master-slave relationship continues, it is transcended by the brotherhood in Christ" (OSB comment on Philemon 14-17). Onesimus is an enslaved person in terms of this world. Yet, he has equal standing with his owner as a brother in Christ in terms of the Kingdom.

Moreover, the Onesimus has a new calling in the Kingdom. He has been helpful to Paul in his ministry in chains (Philemon 11). Now, Paul hints that he would like Philemon to send the Onesimus hack to him so that he can continue to serve Paul and the Gospel (OSB Philemon 12-13).

For Reflection

This case exemplifies Paul’s point that our calling to be disciples in the Kingdom is paramount. But our standing in this world is not incidental. Wherever we find ourselves in the social order, we can be content and use our position in this world, whether a high or low estate, to serve the Lord, advance the Gospel, and fulfill our purpose.