Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition [state] in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition [state] each was called, there let him remain with God (ESV 1 Corinthians 7:17-24).
In the Scripture passage noted above, Paul seeks to untangle us from false responsibility and ungodly obligations placed on us by the world and even well-intentioned people, such as family and fellow believers. Of course, every one of us must live connected lives, that is, lives that are not lived independently of others for we are one body designed by God to live in harmony within ourselves, with others, but this is all predicated on living this life with our Creator and Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. At times, we place ourselves under these unbearable pressures to change according to a pattern that is of the world and not of God. In the world there is much conversation being had concerning living a stress-free life. There are many who have developed formulas and methods to achieve this state that seem good. However, God gives us, through the Scriptures, instructions and commands that lead to real freedom from stress. We should all seek to hear from Him and be governed by the Scriptures and led by the Holy Spirit!
Living as Called,
Pastor Don