How Important Are Your Rights?

Today we are focusing on a small passage in 1 Corinthians 9:15-18 that pertains to Paul’s rights as an Apostle of Jesus. Paul is defending his decision to not receive payment for his work and ministry efforts. Even though, in the verse above, verse 14, Paul states; ‘In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.’

This whole concept is not new…God has been providing for those in ministry for thousands of years. We find in the Old Testament that God set apart one tribe to be the primary caregivers of his tabernacle/temple and of his people. This was the Levite Tribe. God had given very specific instructions on what was to be given in sacrifice and what portions were to be given to the Priests through tithes and offerings. It is clear, that in return for their work the Levites had the “right” to expect to be supported. In our passage today Paul is confirming that same expectation and right, and yet, Paul declares that while he may have the right to receive compensation for his work he is laying down that right to ‘not’ receive what is due him.

As Americans our rights are very important to us. Since we live in a land of many freedoms, we have grown accustom to expressing, or defending our rights. However, I wonder how often we lay down our rights or would even consider laying down our rights?

In marriage counseling many times we talk about this very concept. We talk with couples about their rights to speak their minds, to have their way, and their rights to defend their wants, wishes and ideas. We usually tell them that we live in a country that provides us with these freedoms and liberties and yes, they have the ‘right’ to speak or act most anyway they want. However, just because we have certain rights to do certain things doesn’t mean we should. What if, instead of fighting for our rights, we did as Paul demonstrates here, and we lay down our rights for others? Foreign concept, you think? Not really…read Philippians 2 from The Message.

            ‘When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing…he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his...death      on a cross.’ (selected verses)

Every time pride wells up in me and I feel the need to stand up and speak my mind or defend my rights, I can’t help but ask myself…I am living like Christ? He above everyone else had every right to decline the option of the cross. Because of his innocence, he clearly did not have to take on the sins of this world, my sins, or your sins. I love how this paraphrase puts it, ‘he gave up his place’, his rightful place and laid down his right which lead him to the cross.

Where would we be today if Jesus had claimed what was rightfully his? If Jesus had stood up for his right to be equal with God and declined the way of the cross what hope would we have today?

I’m not saying that you should never defend your rights. I not saying that you shouldn’t have a voice or get to express your thoughts or feelings, or receive what is rightfully yours. What I am asking is…’do you need to?’ Do you need to always express your thoughts? Do you need to always have an opinion, or constructive comment? Do you need to always set the record straight or defend your rights? Are your rights more important than the rights of others?

Father,

We thank you first and foremost that you are a just God. We thank you for our freedoms; our freedoms in this country and the freedoms we have in you. Father, this is a tough subject. The idea of laying down what we think we deserve and denying ourselves. Father, I confess that we have selfishly chosen our wants, desires and rights over what was best for you or others. Father, I am praying for the body at Northside. Help us to grasp this spiritual message. Help us discern when we should embrace our rights, and when to yield them up. Help us to realize that nothing should be more important to us than living for you, not even our rights. Father, we lay our pride, weaknesses and temptations at your feet, model us and make us into the image of your selfless Son.

Amen

Blessings,

Christy Garison

SERVE Minister