Right Rights

Scripture Reading 9:1-27

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Observation

In this reading today Paul clearly outlines his credentials as an apostle. Paul was without doubt called, gifted and proven in his role as an apostle. He was well within his rights to demand remuneration and support, but, Paul does not! Paul does not request in due he does not push his rights, for Paul all that matters is that the gospel goes out! This is his cause he forgoes his rights for the rights of the gospel.

We would go well to live as Paul did! The world we live in pushes people to stand up for their rights, to demand that they get what is owed to them. For Paul this was not how he lived. Paul goes on calling us to run the race to win, to not give up punishing his body to gain control over his desires; to live to win, in Christ. That is to win by the criteria that Christ sets.

Application

What criteria are you living by? Do you pursue what Christ desires or do you pursue what you desire? What areas of your life are you pushing your rights ahead of the rights of the gospel?

Prayer

Lord of all things, may I become less so that you can become more. May I live for you, putting your rights and the rights of the gospel above the rights of myself? May you receive all the Glory and Honour that is due your name?