Will You Lay Down Your Rights?

As I was driving home this morning, I was listening to a Christian radio station. I usually don't listen to Christian stations unless music is playing, but the program that was being aired really caught my attention. The part that caused me to ponder and to examine my life was talking about as Christians, if we are living as a disciple of Christ, we have to give up certain rights. I knew that, but, the program got really specific. Here are a list of rights that Elizabeth Elliot came up with if that we are to surrender to Christ as we live for Him and become more like Him:

• The right to take revenge (Rom. 12:19-20)
• The right to have a comfortable, secure home (Luke 9:57-58)
• The right to spend our money however we please (Matt. 6:19-21)
• The right to hate an enemy (Matt. 5:43-48)
• The right The right to live life by our own rules (John 14:23-24)
• The right to hold a grudge (Colossians 3:13)
• The right to fit into society Rom. 12:2, Gal. 1:10)
• The right to do whatever feels good Gal.5:16-17,1 Peter 4:2)
• The right to complain Phil. 2:14
• The right to put self first Phil. 2:3-4
• The right to express one's sexuality in ways that are contrary to the WAYS of God (1 Cor. 6:18-20)
• The right to rebel against authority (1 Peter 2:13-15)
• The right to sue another believer 1 Cor. 6:1-8)
• The right to end a disappointing marriage (Matt. 5:31-32)

Re you willing to give up your rights?

We Are Part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed

We are part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. We have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. We have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. We are disciples of His. We won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. Our past is redeemed; our present makes sense, our future secure. We're finished with colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

We no longer need preeminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. We don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. We now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, are lifted up by prayer, and labor with power.

Our face is set, our gait is fast, our goal is heaven, our road is narrow, our way rough, our companions are few, our Guide reliable, our mission clear. We cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. We will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

We won't give up, shut up, let up, until we have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. We are disciples of Jesus. We must go till He comes, give till we drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops us. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing us...our banner will be clear. For we are part of the Fellowship of the
Unashamed.

Letter found on Zimbabwe Pastor's Desk who was martyred for his faith.