Re-Center Around God
“Human rights are not optional” claims the person who designed the image to the left. Regardless of your take on it, God weighed in on the matter of rights also:
1 Corinthians 8:9,12
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak… When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point about Personal Rights
Knowing that such things matter to God, let’s do an internal review and re-center our attitudes on personal rights around God.
Beyond freedom, justice, and equality, here’s a sample of some such rights: To say “no” to sleep, to change your mind, to do what you want, to express or withhold your feelings, to seek personal space or time away, or to have your own opinion.
Review
Review the week. Does your behavior lead others astray? Do you exercise your rights without concern for how it may negatively impact others? Are you bothered that your behavior may cause others to stumble?
Repent if Necessary
Do an ego-check. Note the Bible’s language, "When you sin against your brothers in this way... you sin against Christ" (1 Corinthians 8:12). Sin against Christ is serious. Confess to God any lack of humility toward others.
Return (as necessary)
Picture yourself coming to God with personal rights in hand, represented by sticks. In prayer, lay those sticks out before Him and ask how to use those rights in ways that are acceptable in His eyes, even bringing honor to Him.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:161-168 21st letter: Shin (ש)
- Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word. - I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil. - I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law. - Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws. - Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble. - I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands. - I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly. - I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
John 12:26
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
The Promise
Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Pondering Point
Did you notice that peace (in 119:165, Shalom in Hebrew) is assured to those who love God’s law rather than those who keep it? Peace is not the result of keeping God’s Word, but in knowing God and loving His Word.