Having Rights..And Being Right…

We live in a world that screams “ME”. Here in America, I don’t think we can go one day without hearing “My Rights” in some form. The Bible makes it clear that there is a difference between having rights, using rights, and being right. Having rights and being right can be two totally different things. Just because we have rights, doesn’t mean we are right by exercising them. Paul talks about that here in his first letter to the Corinthian church. What he is saying is giving up our rights (freedom) to help another person see God is what believers should practice daily. Part of “making Jesus known” is carried out in our behavior, not just in our words. When we sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others, people take notice. The message it sends contradicts the normal message the world always tries to send (“look at me”). When people see a rare, contradicting “normal” behavior, it stands out. It sparks their curiosity. When it profoundly impacts their conscience, they seek an explanation. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus is our example. The more we imitate Jesus, the more the world will inquire the reason behind our behavior. Think about it, is the world very forgiving? Is the world angry? Is the world out to serve itself? What attributes did Jesus display? Forgiveness, giving up our right to get even. Grace, withholding deserved action in favor of mercy. Patience, seeing others as important. Humility, not thinking we are better than others. And most importantly, Jesus set aside His divinity, His power, His authority, to serve people. Sometimes giving up our rights is the right thing to do. It’s choosing liberty over legalism. It's what gets people's attention. It’s what makes us right in God’s eyes.

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial. 24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”27 If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? 30 If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:23c-33