“I need help!”
When standing up for your rights goes too far
Latreasa Goodman called 911 three times to report that McDonalds had run out of McNuggets. Latreasa had ordered and paid for her McNuggets, but Macca's told her that they had run out and could not refund her money, but that she could have something else from the menu. Latreasa was not impressed and so rang 911 claiming that it was an emergency.
It's a funny story, but also pretty sad. We live in a world that is obsessed with getting what we want and on standing on our rights. And we will complain, jump up and down and even call 911 when we don't get what we want.
But we, as Christians, should be different. We follow a Saviour who, rather than standing on his own divine rights, came to earth to serve, rather than be served (Mark 10:45). Jesus didn't grasp at his God-given rights to remain in the comforts of heaven. But he made himself nothing, taking the nature of a servant and humbled himself to death by crucifixion (Philippians 2:5-8).
Although Jesus had every right to be adored, he gave up that right and chose to be abused. Although Jesus had every right to be worshiped, he gave up that right and chose to be whipped. Although Jesus had every right to be praised, he gave up that right and chose to be punished.
The apostle Paul realised that, just as Jesus gave up his rights for the good of others, so too should every Christian. In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul says he is prepared to give up his rights for the salvation of others (It is well worth a read).
What about you? Do you realise that your life is no longer yours? You belong to God. And you are called to give up all your rights to love and serve God and love and serve His people. Are you prepared to give up your time, money, reputation, ambitions, and all your rights for the good of others? This is what the Christian life is all about, because this is what Christ was all about.
So don't spend your life being obsessed with getting what we want and on standing on our rights. That is a waste of a life. Spend your life following the example of Jesus.
And when things don't quite go your way, when you don't get what you want, when you want it; don't ring 911. Rather, ask God to help you to keep giving up your rights for the good of others. And thank God that Jesus gave up his rights for you.
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