My Rights

Good Morning, 

1 Corinthians 9:12 “…lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”

Paul was talking about his rights as an apostle, his privileges as a minister, and the simple fact that those who work should be paid. There was a question about Paul receiving pay for his work, and although Paul had that right, he did not accept it because he did not want to “hinder the gospel of Christ.”

I have no right to hinder the work of God. The very foundation of Christianity is a cross and self-denial. The most basic elements of the Christian life is to put others first. Scripture makes it clear that, though he had certain rights and privileges, he would take advantage of none of them, for fear he might hinder the great work of the Gospel.

There is nothing more important than God’s work, God’s people, God’s house, and God’s Book. As we plan various events in life and consider certain actions, we should always consider whether or not this will hinder or aid the work of God, God’s people, God’s house, or the gospel ministry.  We need to ask ourselves if our actions will help or hinder the work of God.  This is the ultimate question regarding what we do and say. 

We are surrounded with talk of rights.  Driving through the Bay Area I saw a giant sign painted on the side of a building that read, “Healthcare is a Right.”  Really?  Who promised it?  What guarantees were offered to assure it?  If it is a right, how have thousands of years passed without it being enjoyed?  

The right to free speech and free exercises of religion is a RIGHT given to us in the Constitution.  Prior to that, those freedoms were not RIGHTS, they were wishes.  A person who does not work, does nothing to aid society, gives nothing to mankind, only takes, and gives nothing at all cannot possibly DESERVE anything or have any RIGHTS!   A right is guaranteed by a power, a person, or an agreement. Paul had Scriptural RIGHTS to receiving pay and to having provisions for his companions, but Paul would not exercise those rights, “…lest we should hinder the gospel ministry.”  Understand this: my RIGHTS are not as important as the work of God.  A wise person puts God’s work far above his own RIGHTS. 

Just because you CAN do it, or just because the law gives you the RIGHT to do it, does not give you the right to hinder the work of the Gospel. 

Mankind runs selfishly, Christianity runs selflessly.

Pastor