We Have a Right!

“Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourself.”  Romans 12:10

From Guest Blogger Kathleen Lane:

“I demand my rights!” “Don’t shove me around!” “I’m not going to let anyone step all over me!” Have you heard comments like that?  It is the common way of the world to be concerned with our own rights. Even within the church power struggles can arise as each person focuses on what he/she considers his/her own rights and privileges, without regard for the rights and concerns of others.

But God has called us to a transformed, uncommon way of life. Instead of being concerned with “number 1,” we are called to be devoted to one another and to put others first. That means, in Christ, my rights take a back seat to the rights, desires, and concerns of others.

The Greek word translated “be devoted” in this passage, refers to a special kind of love, the kind of “tender affection” members of a family have for one another.  Christians are called to love one another — to honor one another — because we are members of one family.

We are all members of God’s family because of Christ’s devotion to us. He gave up His place and power so that we could have a place in the family. He humbled Himself to be born of a woman, born under the law to redeem us that we might receive the full rights of sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4-5). There was no power struggle — only humility and devoted love.

Having rights as God’s sons and daughters, being loved by Him, transforms us to humbly devote ourselves to others and to honor them. We can look at the person beside us with the eyes of God seeing her as someone worth our love and honor, simply because she is placed there by God. In God’s family, we have the right and privilege to serve others and to give, rather than receive, honor and recognition.

Reflect on the “rights” you have as God’s child.

How can you humbly honor others in your family?  In your workplace?  In your neighborhood?  In your church?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have honored us above Yourself. Though we are not worthy, You have given us full rights as God’s children. Lead us to use those rights in loving and honoring others. Amen.


#Uncommon