1 Corinthians 1:1-3, The Christian’s Calling

“Outside St. James Church in Shere, England, you will find a metal plaque marking the site of the cell of Christine Carpenter, Anchoress of Shere 1329,” according to a post in PreachingToday.com.

The post explains that “An anchoress was a person who would withdraw from common life to dedicate themselves to God and bind themselves to the church by living the rest of their earthly life within a small cell. Much like many anchorite abodes, Christine’s small cell was attached to the church and installed with a small opening through which she would receive food, and a squint window into the church that allowed her to participate in services.”

“As noted on the plaque, Christine’s life as an anchoress began in 1329. She explained to the Bishop of Winchester that she wished to be removed from the world’s distractions to lead a more pious life. This request was granted following queries into Christine’s moral qualities and chastity, and she was sealed into the cell in July of the same year. As she began her lifelong vow of seclusion, a burial service was read for her, as she was considered dead to the sinful world, the cell being her symbolic tomb.”

“Despite her oaths, Christine broke out of the anchorage after almost three years and attempted to rejoin society. Having broken her holy vow, Christine was threatened with excommunication. It is perhaps this threat that led Christine to return to seclusion and isolation. By October of 1332, she had called on the Pope to pardon her sin on the condition that she return to her anchorage. This she did, and there she remained for the rest of her mortal life.”

Although Christine’s story sounds commendable, God has challenged His people to do something even more difficult: Live in the world, but do not allow the world to live in you.

Christine’s decision and life are in stark contrast to Paul’s salutation to the Corinthian Christians.

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Cor. 1:2)

This passage reveals at least three things about the life we’re to be living in this world.

#1 We are the called of God.

The word “church” literally means “a called out people.” We’re called out of a world of darkness into the light of Christ’s Kingdom (Col. 1:13). We are called by a “holy calling” and called by the gospel to die to the world and live for the Lord (2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:14; Gal. 2:20).

#2 Thus, we are God’s sanctified people.

This means to be “set apart…to be holy…to purify.” Dr. Thayer says that “sanctified” means “to separate from things profane and dedicate to God, to consecrate.”

The separation, however, is not achieved in isolation from the world. Becoming a spiritual recluse will not achieve our mission in being “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16). God has not called us to isolation, but to involvement without compromising our convictions, our commitment, or our life of consecration.

#3 So, we are identified as “saints.”

We don’t use this Bible word very much, certainly not in describing ourselves. This is due to a misconception of what a saint is. As one lady once quipped, “I’m no saint.” But then quickly added, “But I’m not a sinner either.”

A saint is not a “holier-than-thou” person walking around with a halo over their head. A saint is not sinless. Consider that this letter was written to the Corinthian Christians, who faced numerous problems within the church. But Paul still identifies them as saints. They had some work to do in living up to their calling and name, but they were called saints.

Furthermore, one doesn’t become a saint after they die by some human decree. Paul was not writing to the cemetery at Corinth, but to the church, to those who were very much alive.

Finally, these two critical thoughts.

#1 Isolation negates the practice of the “one another commands,” our mutual ministry, and our fellowship. As John R. W. Stott wrote, “The Christian fellowship is not an optional addition to the Christian life, but a central part of it. To share in the body of Christ is both a joy and a necessity.”

#2 Isolation diminishes, if not extinguishes, our Christian light. We are to shine forth the light of Christ in a sin-darkened world and become a beacon that leads others to Him.

Involvement and engagement —that’s our challenge, not isolation and estrangement.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman