His Body: Living As If - 1 Corinthians 7:17-31

1 Corinthians addresses our lives across the board, commanding us to glorify Christ in our relationships and in every area of our lives. Paul's focus in chapter 7 is to fix our eyes on the purpose God has for us and has placed in us, so that we might maximize our lives for His Kingdom. So often we look for purpose on the other side of something happening or changing in our lives. We deflect what we might could now by claiming such and such has to happen to make it more comfortable or convenient to serve God. However, we learn in this text that we need not chase after purpose, but realize it is with us right where we are. Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, and 24 is that we answer God's call over our lives in whatever state we may find ourselves in. No matter our circumstances or status, we all have a capacity to seek the Lord and His Will. Through contentment, we can find strength from Christ to endure hardships or escape distractions. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 that *now* is the appointed time - that time is short and we need not delay considering God's plans for our lives. Knowing what we know about God’s sovereign placement and lordship over our lives, we need to LIVE AS IF each day could be our last. Purpose isn't on the other side of something, but rather on the inside of us. God has placed it there, and He has placed us exactly where we can best leverage our earthly lives for eternal gain.