Central Truth

Serving Jesus doesn’t require a change in circumstances, just a change of heart.

Reflections

One of Paul’s reasons for writing to the Corinthians was to answer specific questions. Among these was the question of what changes new believers should make after placing their faith in Christ. Then as now, people received salvation with joy and excitement, and, out of gratitude, wondered what to do next. Some new believers wondered if they should make big changes in vocation or personal relationships.

Today, we see the same thing: New believers (and often those who’ve followed Christ for a long time) wonder if they should make some radical change in life direction to serve Jesus. Maybe become a missionary to a remote people group or leave the business world to serve the poor full time. God calls some people to do such things.

However, Paul told the Corinthians that usually God calls us to continue within the circumstances (job, location, personal relationships) that we were in when we placed our trust in Christ. Why? Because all our lives God has been preparing us to serve Him, even before we came to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. He has placed us in a specific location and time in history. He has given us family, friends, acquaintances and spheres of influence that no one else has. He wants us to carry the good news about Jesus into the world in which we are connected. Sure, He may gradually move us in new directions, but more often than not He will use us (if we are willing) to build his kingdom by being an influence for Christ right where we are.

New believers often want to do something for God that seems great by human standards. When Jesus cast out demons from a man in the country of the Gerasenes, the healed man begged to leave that place and accompany Jesus. However, Jesus sent him away, saying “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.”  (Luke 8:39a)  Paul is saying that God the Father gives us the same counsel. Serving Jesus doesn't require a change in circumstances, just a change of heart.

Discussion Questions

1. Why does Paul urge believers to serve Jesus in the context of their current life circumstances?
2. How might making radical life changes get in the way of serving Jesus?
3. How can we best discern what service God is calling us to in any season of life?