Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
Singapore
September 5, 1994
Good Morning!
"I have my rights! They can't do that to me!"
Or really? You have "rights"?
Here is how Jesus viewed "rights":
"If someone slaps you in the face, stand
there and take it.
"If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use
the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat
stuff.
"If someone drags you into court and sues for the
shirt off your back, gift wrap your best coat and make a present
of it." (Luke 6:29,30; Matthew 5:40 - The Message)
Why is it we find this teaching of Christ so difficult to accept?
Let me suggest two reasons:
#1 It seems so unfair. But where in the Bible
does God guarantee us fairness -- this side of eternity? The
fact is, LIFE IS UNFAIR. Your character development is of far
greater interest to God than your guarantee of "fairness".
The story of the Rich man and Lazarus powerfully reminds us that
it is in eternity when God will equalize the books.
(Luke 16:19-31)
#2 We might not survive if we allow people to take advantage
of us.
Where is it written that you are to survive? Jesus submitted
to evil people to the point of allowing them to murder Him. And
He calls us to exactly the same standard of surrender:
"Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example for
you to follow in His steps.
"When He was reviled and insulted, He did not
revile or offer insult in return.
"When He was abused and suffered He made no threats
of vengeance." (I Peter 2:21,23 - NAS; Amplified)
QUESTION: Can we trust our Sovereign God
in simply obeying His word without rationalization? Without
compromise? And leave the outcome to Him? Jesus did,
and He calls us to the same quality of faith and obedience.
Have a great week!
Dwight Hill
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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