Laying Down Our Rights
In society today, it’s natural for people to demand their rights. But followers of Jesus surrender their rights to Him, enjoying only the privileges He, in loving sovereignty, allows. What are some of the rights Jesus’ disciples must surrender?
• the right to take revenge (Romans 12:19-20)
• the right to have a comfortable, secure home (Luke 9:57-58)
• the right to a good reputation (Matthew 5:11)
• the right to spend money however we please (Matthew 6:19-21)
• the right to hate an enemy (Matthew 5:43-47)
• the right to be honored and served (Mark 10:42-47)
• the right to understand God’s plan before we obey (Hebrews 11:8)
• the right to live by our own rules (John 14:23-24)
• the right to hold a grudge (Colossians 3:13)
• the right to “fit into” society (Romans 12:2; Galatians 1:10)
• the right to do whatever feels good (Galatians 5:16-17; 1 Peter 4:2)
• the right to complain (Philippians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• the right to put self first (Philippians 2:3-4)
• the right to express one’s sexuality freely (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
• the right to rebel against authority (1 Peter 2:13-15)
• the right to sue another believer (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
• the right to end a disappointing marriage (Matthew 5:31-32)

~Elisabeth Elliot, The Elisabeth Elliot Newsletter, July/August 2002