You Have Rights – Don't You?

"But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?" 1st Corinthians 6:6-7 "...let yourselves be cheated" ??? Sometimes the Scriptures will test our faith to the limit. It's hard to imagine anyone in this litigious society having the depth of faith and commitment to Christ and his Word to actually forego going to court against another believer when wronged. To accept wrong? To let oneself be cheated? Are you kidding? Would God really ask that of someone? Well ...he asked it of Jesus. What a manifest demonstration of the Spirit of God within, if anyone has that depth of faith and commitment. Saints, we are called to a totally different walk than the way of the world. In the world it's all about "rights." People demand "rights" to the point of being ridiculous. But it must not be so with us. Consider the fact that when you surrendered your life to the Lord Jesus Christ you gave up all rights. He took Lordship over your life, and he has taken full responsibility for your life. Nothing touches you without his prior approval, and he does approve some painful things needed for our growth - for we know growth often comes through pain. Therefore our responsibility to him who has purchased us is to allow him that sovereignty over us, and to those whose hearts are truly surrendered, they will see him do wonders in their lives as HE works things out for them. So do not resist when your "rights" are withheld from you. Know that God has everything under control and that he has PROMISED that all things will work together for the believer's good (Romans 8:28). As we surrender to him, we come to see the absolute faithfulness of that promise. "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Matthew 5:39-41 How are we to respond, then, when people hurt us? vs 44-45: "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;" Forsake vengeance and forsake your "rights" now - it will all be dealt with rightly if you leave it to the Lord. "...it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you..." 2nd Thessalonians 1:6 Friends, we are called to NOT walk in the ways of the world, but to entrust everything to our Creator and Lord, and he is FAITHFUL. It won't stop there. God stands willing and hoping to bless us in awesome and unexpected ways, if only we will surrender to him, let him work things out, and maintain an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. These are the secrets of a happy and successful life.