I’ve heard a lot of my peers talk about the importance of their rights. Their right to free speech, free way of life, and free to do whatever they like. There is a mindset among many, that no one should be allowed to tell me what to do except for me. It’s not just millennials. People of all ages can easily fall in the same mindset. I’ve heard retired adults say, “I put my time in, I should be allowed to do…” It’s the same thing.

As we read through the gospels at the life of Christ, it is clear He was not concerned about His rights. In fact, when Jesus was in the garden just before His death, He asked for another way. He understood the importance of the restoration coming through His death and resurrection, but it wouldn’t be easy. He knew the pain he was about to endure before dying and prayed to God for another way. (Mark 14:36) Jesus did impose His rights as God to do what He wanted, but submitted to His Father in Heaven. Jesus could have called a thousand armies down from Heaven, but His first concern was honoring and glorifying God His Father above anything else.

As Christians, what rights do we really have? Do we still have any rights? Can we say and do what we like? Or did we surrender all rights when we gave our lives to Christ?

We must be careful not to confuse our “rights” with our “freedom” in Christ. Jesus speaks frequently to the immense freedom we have in Christ. Freedom in Christ is freedom from worrying about worldly things. Freedom from sin and death. Freedom to live life, and have life to the fullest! Freedom to be a light for God in this dark world. Freedom from condemnation. Freedom from the bondage of sin and Satan. Freedom to boldly and unapologetically proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone!

It’s important we take the same mindset as Christ and not worry about our right as much as honoring God. Next time you feel yourself concerned about your rights, ask these 3 questions:

1. Does it honor God?
This is a non-negotiable and must be at the core of everything we do. I’m not talking about the act itself. Church softball for example has the ability of honoring God just as easily as dishonoring Him. Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Emphasis added)
I have a good friend who used to get super involved in fantasy football. When he realized how he was no longer glorifying God, he stopped. There’s nothing wrong with fantasy football as long as you can still honor God in the process.

2. Is it loving toward others?
It doesn’t take long reading through the Gospels to realize Jesus’ heart for people. Everywhere He went, He spent time with people. He taught, healed, and ate with them in their homes. Jesus cared deeply for all people. As Jesus went from city to city, He stopped along the way when He saw others in need. There were times He was tired or on His way to spend time with His Father, but He always stopped and spent time with people.
Even those who disagreed with Him, hated Him, and even wanted to kill Him. Jesus had unconditional love and compassion on ALL people; while at the same time maintaining the standard of holiness. He did not compromise truth for love nor love for truth. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

3. How does this benefit me?
It is not bad to do things beneficial for yourself. Sometimes. Rule number 1 and 2 must never be broken. Period. There are no exceptions! If something is dishonoring to God or anyone else, it’s a simple no. Your personal right should never come before loving God or loving others.
There are times in our spiritual walk where we need to get away and refuel. There are times when life has been rough and you have poured out a lot; you need time alone with God to refuel. This is not selfish, it’s human. You cannot pour out and minister to others if you are dry yourself.
Throughout the gospel we see many time Jesus got up early or went alone to spend time with God. If Jesus, who is God, needs to do that, so do we. Yes, it is self-focused, and that’s OK.
Sometimes you need time with your family. Take it. Block out time to do something fun together. I had many professors tell me in school, “your first ministry is to your family”. It is most honoring to God and others when you spiritually take care of you and your family.