We live in the day where men are deeply concerned about their rights. So much have individual civil rights become an issue, that one man’s rights trampled another’s underfoot. We have become a self-serving society, with the attitude: “Nothing matters but what matters to me.” How unlike the teachings of Christ!
In his letter to the believers at Philippi, Paul expressed the need for consideration of others first. He said: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in the lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Paul’s exhortation would seem to go against every fiber of our human nature. Man does not want to be lowly in mind, but rather tends to think very highly of himself. It is often difficult to put others first when our flesh cries out to be served. However, Paul is not commanding that all Christians become ‘doormats’ for others to walk on; but to take upon us the mind of Christ and have a servant’s heart. We are to consider others and serve them in love.
The Scriptures speak clearly of surrendering our rights for the sake of others. Paul spoke often of our spiritual liberty in Christ. Yet, we are to consider what effect our liberty may have on others. Writing to the believers at Corinth, Paul declared: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
When Paul spoke of wealth, he was not talking about money, but spiritual prosperity. Under grace, everything is lawful to us; yet, not everything is beneficial to the building of our faith, or to the edification of another. Therefore, we must ask ourselves, “Does my freedom cause my brother to stumble?”
It is only natural that man would seek to please himself first. Sometimes, we may have the attitude: “I have rights, too! Therefore, I will do whatever I want, regardless of what anyone else may think or say.” However, like Paul we should not seek to please self, but to please others to the glory of God, in Christ
Let us, therefore, in love, consider one another as we serve the Lord, Christ; for, our heartfelt desire should be to see others come to know him as Savior and Lord.
- Pastor Jerry L. Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
