MY RIGHTS

“…be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.” I Corinthians 8:9

People are protesting everything and anything. They shout, “I have my rights!” But, I wonder what right that would be? They have their rights to tromp over someone else’s property? Or, run their car through a crowd of people that include women and children? Or maybe it’s the right to storm the Capital of the United States and destroy it, including anyone who may get in their way? Or, maybe it’s to storm a school of innocent children to prove who knows what? All this only gives “the land of the free” a black eye and instills in many others a desire to do the same because it looks like fun to them.

This is not something new. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth about something similar, except it concerned food which belonged to idols. In doing so, they were worshipping an idol and making God second or third in their lives. Paul pointed out the error of their ways. Their rights did not include worshipping (praying to) anything or anyone other than God.

Paul reminded them that others were watching them. He told them their deeds were not in secret and could cause someone of a weak mind to go astray. This would hang heavy over their head. Their knowledge had been inflated by pride. (I Corinthians 8:1) That pride told them—falsely I might add—they had a “right” to eat whatever they wanted, in other words, worship whomever and whatever they wanted. If someone did not have the knowledge, nor understand, nor been taught that there is “one God, the Father, from whom are all things,…and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things…” (I Cor. 8:6) those persons will be led astray. And that would fall heavily upon the head of the one who gave the example.

Be careful when your puffed up pride causes you to think only of yourself. Instead, listen to the second half of I Corinthians 8:1 which says “Love builds up.” What a peaceful world this would be, and an example to all mankind, if we followed the 2nd greatest commandment—“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 19:18/Matt. 19:19)

Come, Holy Spirit. Inspire us to think of others before ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Read Romans 8:1–13