1 Corinthians 7:20-24
20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
We are to be content in what gives us in life, striving only in pursuit of godliness and God’s glory. The station in life is not the pursuit, but the means. We should use that in our calling. These verses do not condone slavery, as some may attempt to do, but rather show the personal response from within that abominable state. Of course, slavery here was either willing bondslaves of their own people, or sometimes conquered people in the Roman world, and not the more egregious form of the past few hundred years. Nonetheless, slavery is contrasted with freedom in Christ, and so we individually serve Christ in that freedom while corporately stand against the stain of human bondage that is opposed to the One who sets us free. But do not forget that we are slaves of righteousness and of Christ, He being our Lord and Master, yet He is no human slaver, but compassionate and good.
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