“You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.” 1 Corinthians 7:23-24

Well, Paul pulls out all the stops in his opening line of today's reading from 1 Corinthians, “However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned” (7:17). Paul removes all excuses and calls all people into action regardless of their past or present. This action is founded in the work that God has already performed in us through our baptism. God calls us to be a light in the darkness, a light that shines hope, comfort, and forgiveness. A light that doesn't avoid the dark places, but goes to the dark places to bring that Good News which we have first received.                                

Paul knows there are many excuses that can be made about why one can't, “Lead the life that the Lord has assigned.” During his time, people’s excuses were based on whether they were circumcised or uncircumcised. For us today our excuses might be our jobs, kids, crazy schedules, or it might be that we’re afraid we don't have what it takes. Regardless of our excuses, Paul reminds us that in Christ we have been set free from the power of sin when he writes, "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God” (7:23-24).  He reminds us that we have been set free from all the excuses, so that we may go out and be His light to a world in need.

The question we are left with this Lent is, “Now what?”  If we are truly free and have the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, then what is God now calling us to be or do?  It is for that reason the apostle Paul challenges us by writing, “Make use of your present condition now more than ever” (21c). So where has God placed you to reveal His love and acceptance? What is that one thing that God is calling you to do so that through you others may come to know His light that shines in their darkness?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you so much for coming into our darkness once again this Lenten season and shining your light of hope and forgiveness. Thank you for bringing those people into our lives that shined your light into our lives. Help us do likewise so that others may come to know of your amazing love. Amen.