Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. 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. (1Corinthians 7:20-24)

The Greek translated as condition - klesis - is a shorter form of kaleo - which above is translated as called.

We can often confuse our condition with our calling. These are not, according to Paul, necessarily related.

We can often confuse what we do with who we are. Paul assures us God does not make this error.

Kaleo is to call by name. It suggests an intimate relationship. God knows our name. God knows our individual nature.

We are to abide - remain within - the nature and character that God recognizes as our true selves.

Above is an icon depicting the transfiguration of Christ from the cathedral in Pereslavi, Russia.