“I HAVE MY RIGHTS! THEY CAN’T DO THAT TO ME!”

Oh, really? You have “rights”?

Here is how Jesus viewed “rights”:

• “If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it.

• “If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-

for-tat stuff.

• “If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift wrap your best coat and

make a present of it.” (Luke 6:29, 30; Matthew 5:40 – The Message)

Why is it we find this teaching of Christ so difficult to accept? Let me suggest two reasons:

1. It seems so unfair. But where in the Bible does God guarantee us fairness — this side of

eternity? The fact is, LIFE IS UNFAIR. Your character development is of far greater interest to

God than your guarantee of “fairness.”

The story of the rich man and Lazarus powerfully reminds us that it is in eternity when

God will equalize the books. (See Luke 16:19-31)

2. We might not survive if we allow people to take advantage of us.

Where is it written that you are to survive? Jesus submitted to evil people to the point

of allowing them to murder Him. And He calls us to exactly the same standard of

surrender:

“Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.

• “When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return.

• “When He was abused and suffered He made no threats of vengeance.” (I Peter 2:21, 23 – NAS;

Amplified)

QUESTION: Can we trust our Sovereign God in simply obeying His word without rational-

ization? Without compromise? And leave the outcome to Him? Jesus did, and He calls us

to the same quality of faith and obedience.