Rights

<<valid claims, entitlements>>

1/. Human and civil rights

Human rights are the universal, fundamental necessities required to sustain life and include the right to life, water, food, and shelter, while civil rights are the liberties that one obtains through being a legal citizen of a particular political entity or country. While there are overlaps between these two categories both are fundamental freedoms that should be the norm for all individuals, allowing them to be free from unfair treatment or discrimination on grounds of race, gender, age, religion, political affiliation, cultural background, social standing or any other distinguishing factors.

However, the world’s value system is largely self-focused – ‘it’s all about me, myself and I’ and strongly defends self-preservation. It is desirable for every citizen to be more outward-focused, looking out for the good of others, combating human rights abuse and promoting the welfare of other people, then life would be enriched for all. Especially as Christians, we are not to show bias but be accepting of all people, regardless of cultural and socio-economic differences for all humanity has been made in God’s image (Gen 1:26,27; Mt 7:12; Act 10:34; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Jas 2:1-4).

Many people are so focused on their rights, or what they think is due them, that they neglect their responsibilities, be it in a working environment, marriage, or to God. We should be more concerned about doing our duty, by meeting our responsibilities, rather than ‘policing’ other people’s actions. It

Rights imply responsibilities as for every right there is a parallel responsibility

is selfish to consider things only from our point of view. Be generous, outgoing and go beyond what is expected (Mt 5:39-42). A position of authority or power is not a privilege to be flaunted, rather an opportunity to be of service to God by serving for the benefit of mankind, doing as you would want done to you (Mt 25:40; Lk 6:31).

Increasingly in our world protests are a tool employed to enact change or get the attention of authority but Christians need to ask themselves if this is always the best approach. Conflict and aggression result when we expect our rights to be met while violating those of another.

In response to the worldwide Covid pandemic several countries implemented harsh and ruthless mandates especially against those who refused or resisted the vaccine. Rather than allowing individuals to make their own informed choice about their body and health undue and illogical pressure is increasingly being applied, dictating the 'required course of action' that they demand. This gross violation highlights it is not so much about health but a control issue, stemming from the one world government/new world order agenda to bring everyone under their domination. Restrictions and fear have crippled people bringing many into bondage to believe the manipulating rhetoric that is feed to them from mainstream media. As believers we should be discerning, not blindly accepting or doing everything that society require. Our allegiance first and foremost is to God.

Reproductive rights is often viewed as a woman's right to control the number and spacing of any children she conceives and especially in regard to dealing with any unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. While contraception does not violate Scripture, the right to abortion-on-demand does.

2/. Christian rights

Christianity as such does not have rights; Christians only have those afforded as citizens of their respective countries, yet sometimes Christians claim discrimination specifically as Christians, rather than as general citizens. The only rights we can claim are those already given to us by the nation we live in while representing our heavenly King in a sinful and fallen world. During ancient Rome, Christians were not anti-Roman. They lived as loyal citizens of Rome up to the point of conscientious objection when they only refused to obey human rules that contravened God’s directions (Act 5:29). They were then prepared to accept the consequences of breaking earthly laws, as they remained loyal to God.

As citizens, we possess both obligations and rights within our respective countries. It is appropriate to stand up for our basic rights and defend ourselves when necessary. Yet, we need discernment when we should seek

Focus on your responsibility, not your rights

justice and utilize our rights and when to submit willingly, even if injustice results. Regarding personal justice, giving up our legitimate rights is better than doing something that will cause a weaker Christian to stumble in their faith (1 Cor 8:9-13, 9:12, 10:23-33). Our aim should be for what is right to be promoted both on a private and public level by upholding godly principles and advocating for righteousness, ensuring our conduct always aligns with the teachings of the gospel of Christ (Phil 1:27).

We have no fundamental rights in our relationship with God. At conversion, we surrendered our desires and aspirations to our new Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. As bondservants to Christ, we exist solely to serve Him (1 Cor 6:19,20). This requires renouncing our desires, rights, and plans by laying everything

Life is not about us

at His feet and living by the motto, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Mt 26:39,42). We are called to take up our cross and follow Him considering our life poured out for a higher good than personal comfort and goals (Mt 16:24; Lk 9:23; Rom 6:16,22; Phil 2:17; 2 Tim 4:6). Taking up our cross involves daily choosing to deny our self-centred nature by loving God above all else and living a Godly life that puts others first (Mt 6:33; Mk 12:30,31; Lk 6:31). The cross speaks of death to the self-life. Christ’s ministry was fulfilled through the pathway of the cross, it is for us too.

Christians are considered to have privileges rather than special rights. A right is an entitlement that cannot legally be denied, while a privilege is an advantage or favour granted to certain people. Christians have many privileges associated with their faith that were unavailable before their

Heavenly citizenship and rights are vastly different from earthly political rights

salvation. For example, “The Father has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints…” and because Jesus is our high priest, we can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and grace” (Col 1:12; Heb 4:16). Our primary Christian legal entitlement is the privilege to be called a child of God, something promised to us when we become a Christian with the permission to enter heaven at the end of time, provided we have walked in His ways (Mt 7:21; Jn 1:12, 3:3,16,36, 14:2,3). As believers, we are given the privilege and authority to use the name of Jesus to extend His kingdom, doing what He did (Mk 16:17,18).

As the Son of God, Jesus relinquished His place in heaven, coming to earth to redeem humanity from their perilous state. As Christians, we should follow His example of being fully other-focused. "He did not come to be served but to serve," ministering to humanity by relinquishing His rights to bring salvation and enable us to enjoy the full benefits as God's adopted children (Mt 20:28; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 4:5; Phil 2:5-11). Therefore, we associate with Christ in His death, forsaking our former self-centred lives (Col 2:20, 3:3).

Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. The example of Christ shows us that the responsibility of meeting the needs of others, doing for them as we would want to be done for us, should be more important than fulfilling our rights. Being focused on ourselves shows immaturity (Phil 2:4). Do I voluntarily give up my privileges and position, including the recognition by others, choosing instead to serve people, putting up with inconveniences and injustices rather than causing another to stumble or hinder the gospel (Rom 14:21; 1 Cor 6:12, 9:4-27; Heb 10:34).

Jesus said we are to “turn the other cheek,” go the second mile, and “do good to those who hate you” (Mt 5:39,41; Lk 6:27). This does not mean we place ourselves or others in danger or ignore injustice. Rather than taking offense and retaliating, we respond with forgiveness and goodness, “overcoming evil with good,” so they will be ashamed of their actions (Prov 19:11; Rom 12:20,21; Eph 4:32).

Some people take the view of being a ‘doormat for Jesus’ by allowing people to 'walk all over them' in the hope that when ungodly actions and words are met with the believer's kindness, generosity, and cheerfulness, they would be affected. Although perceived as a sign of weakness or cowardice, it shows real strength and courage in trusting God to

Whatever your view, allow God’s grace to shine

protect them, as they give everything for His transformative but counter-intuitive kingdom agenda. However, wisdom and discernment must be exercised, as the goal is to persuade sinners by highlighting God's grace, as enabling the sins or irresponsibility of others is not loving. A person with low self-esteem may allow their boundaries to be crossed to gain acceptance and affection with those trapped in an unhealthy submissive role can be convinced their lot in life is to be a doormat. These and similar destructive mindsets need to be addressed.

Jesus served freely but never allowed people to take what He was not ready to give. Throughout His ministry, when He was hated and despised, He did not retaliate; instead, these were opportunities to show His grace to the offenders while entrusting Himself to God who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23).

Some assert that as Jesus chose not to defend His rights during His trial, we should similarly refrain from doing so. However, that ignores an important truth: Jesus' mission was unique as He was born to die. The cross was His appointed end, and He would not let anything get in the way of Him fulfilling His divine appointment of dying for our sins. No one else has had that assignment. Paul was commissioned to preach the gospel and effectively leveraged his rights as a Roman citizen to accomplish his mission. He knew he was unjustly accused and tried, so he stood up for his civil rights and used every opportunity to share Jesus (Act 22:1-21,25, 24:13,24, 25:8,10,11, 26:2,29, 27:17,28,31).

3/. Rights and privileges

Privileges indicate an advantage or favour granted to a particular person or group of people, but not to everybody, in respect of a role or service they perform – a selective right rather than a universal one. It is very easy to misuse a privilege through pride or abuse of the power granted. Christians need to be very mindful that they serve others with genuine concern and humility. While we may appear to have few visible earthly privileges, in the next we will have the immense privilege to share His eternal glory (Jn 14:1-3).

4/. Animal rights

While animals are a lower form of creation than humanity, they still should be treated humanely as they too have desires and needs, for they are not unfeeling property. As such they should not be mistreated or subjected to unnecessary pain and hardship, although they are given for our benefit. They should be provided with the necessities of life – food, water and shelter. “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animals” (Prov 12:10; Mt 12:11). Having pets may be a useful way to teach children about their rights and responsibilities.