Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 7:17 together. It's a pretty rich and important passage about how we should live our lives. Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: “Don't just do what you want; live according to the God-ordained purpose for each of us.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one…” – This is saying that God has given each person a specific role or calling in His plan. It's like He’s putting different pieces into a puzzle, and each piece has its own place. “As the Lord hath called every one” refers to those individual calls and purposes that God gives us. “…so let him walk.” – This is telling us to live out our purpose. To walk means to live in a way that reflects who we are meant to be, according to God’s plan. “And so ordain I in all churches.” – This is the crucial part! It's saying that I , as an individual, have the responsibility and authority to ordain (give direction or establish) my own life within the church community. It means you should live out your purpose and guide others in a way that’s aligned with God’s will for your specific role. In simpler terms: It's not enough to just drift along. We need to actively choose how we live our lives – to follow God's plan for each of us – and then lead others as well, within the context of a community like a church. What does this have to do with us? This verse speaks to personal responsibility and leadership within a group. It encourages us to: Be mindful of our purpose: Recognize what God has given you. Live authentically: Don’t just follow trends; live in accordance with your true calling. Lead with wisdom and direction: Use your role to serve others and contribute positively to the church community. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like a breakdown of the different parts of the verse, or perhaps relate it to something specific in your own life?