What do you do when the answer you’re looking for isn’t in the Bible? For example, if the question is whether or not to break up with your boyfriend, you probably won’t find a verse that says, “Yes, break up with him; it’s the right thing to do.” Or if the question is what career you should go into, you probably won’t find a verse that says, “You should be an engineering major” with your name attached.
The Corinthians had some questions, too, and they couldn’t find the answers anywhere. In his first letter to them, Paul gives them an answer of sorts. In chapter 7 he says, “I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy” (verse 25). He goes on to give some suggestions for their inquiries. What is Paul doing here? Normally he tells people what God has told him, but in this case, he has no divine revelation to share. He’s simply giving advice based on what God has told him in the past.
We all need a Paul in our lives. We need someone who will listen to our personal troubles and give us advice when the answers aren’t obvious. This someone should be a godly man or woman, someone trustworthy, honest, and compassionate. Maybe it’s a parent, a teacher, a friend. Who has been your Paul? Celebrate the gifts they gave you by passing on what they taught you. Remember your Paul as you are Paul in the lives of others.