LETTING GO OF RIGHTS

Some demonstrations involve large numbers of people. They demand higher wages than those that have been set. However, sometimes these demands are unreasonable. As humans, such attitudes are common. Rights are demanded and fought for fiercely. However, often they are not balanced with competence and fulfilling responsibilities appropriately. Apparently, demands for rights do not only occur in the world of work, but also happen in the house of the Lord.

Unlike the Apostle Paul. He expressed that intentionally he did not use any of his rights as an apostle. He did not bring a wife everywhere as other apostles did. Nor did he ask for his living expenses or his wages from the Corinthian congregation. He was glad to preach the Gospel at his own expense. Nevertheless, Paul felt that preaching the Gospel was not a matter of pride for him, but a necessity. Paul even felt that if he did not preach the Gospel, he truly would not be worthy of the kingdom of God. Apostle Paul's motivation in letting go of his rights was solely so that the Gospel could be preached fully without being burdened by anything.

As believers, we need to learn from the example of the Apostle Paul. We do not always need to demand that our rights be fulfilled. We also need to learn how to let go of rights, especially when it comes to our life's testimony. The right to defend ourselves, to accuse someone who has done wrong, even the right to be angry, sometimes needs to be let go. --HEM/www.renunganharian.net