walk with Jesus

1 Corinthians 7:17

"But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches."

Last week we studied Jesus calling His first four disciples; Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Their time with Him culminated in the Great Commission, which includes Christ’s authority, the command to make disciples of all nations, and His promise of presence. That mission now belongs to us.

This week we examine how Jesus is calling you today. In 1 Corinthians 7:17, Paul gives foundational instruction: Christians should remain faithful to the life circumstances and social roles they had when God first called them to faith.

The phrase “as God hath distributed” refers to the various providential conditions of life; marital status, social standing (slave or free), or cultural background (circumcised or uncircumcised). Paul teaches that becoming a Christian does not require abandoning earthly duties or radically changing one’s social position to be spiritually valid.

By adding, “And so ordain I in all churches,” Paul makes this a universal principle for all Christian communities, not just a temporary solution for Corinth. The goal is to maintain order and integrity in social relationships, showing that genuine faith purifies and strengthens existing obligations rather than dissolving them.

To “walk” in this context means to live faithfully each day in the station where God called you. Whether married or single, slave or free, your primary identity is in Christ. You are called to serve God right where you are.