Surrendering Our Rights
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:5-7)
What does it truly mean to surrender our rights as a Christian? And what is it exactly do we have to give up?
This topic has a broad range of perceptions and views from believers living in today’s culture.
Decades before, there existed the lingering effects of the holiness movement. Though the movement was inherently pure, as people eagerly awaited the glorious return of Jesus Christ, and thus laid down many activities. However, over time the list of rigid rules grew, but many lost sight of Jesus and the gospel message, which led to a form of legalism (not wearing denim to church, not having drums in the worship service, etc.).
In our current culture, there is a growing emphasis on the exaltation of personal freedom, no matter the cost. Many individuals living in today’s society have traded the adherence to abiding by rules for the complete opposite. There is now a great emphasis on the retention of individual rights.
We are encouraged to pursue whatever makes us “feel good.” Though it is healthy to establish personal boundaries and not fully depend on another person’s standards, there is another part of the truth as well. It raises two primary concerns with having a focus on protecting our rights:
(1) Our emotions are horrible drivers. We are in danger if we rely on our feelings as opposed to Scripture and logical reasoning. For example, someone may not want to give something up because it does not “feel good.” When we feel protective about giving up our rights, the discomfort may simply be our emotions signaling an action we simply do not want to do. There is value in recognizing our feelings and revealing what they may be trying to tell us. After all, they can be great indicators. On the other hand, when they drive our lives or are the only reason for a large decision, they do have the tendency to lead us astray. (2) It negates how our actions may affect those around us. If our focus is on bringing ourselves comfort, we may be hurting or stepping on those around us in this pursuit. So, where does that leave
them? And would we really want to be treated this way ourselves?
When the goal is pleasing oneself, it leaves people who may challenge a certain action, whether directly or by their own weaknesses, being viewed as an enemy to the comfort of the soul.
So how do we navigate such a perplexing problem? Especially when Jesus has called us to be unified as the Body of Christ?
This reality is not a new issue. On the contrary, it has been in existence throughout the wide span of church history, dating back to the emergence of the early church. So in this discussion, we will see how this issue was handled in Scripture, primarily drawing from the Apostle Paul.
Additionally, within this conversation, it is very important to mention that the activities we are referring to in these cases are not those explicitly forbidden in the Bible. They are not explicitly regarded as sin, though there may be biblical principles that reveal a deeper issue that needs to be addressed. If it is, then a believer and follower of Christ ought to walk in obedience and flee from that action. Rather, what we are discussing are those activities that are seen as “controversial” within the church body. Where there may exist Christian Liberty.
Two Ends of the Spectrum
In this, we are left with two ends of the spectrum. Their definitions are as follows:
- Christian Liberty– this is the perception that in Christ, we have the freedom to engage in activities that, in certain contexts, are not marked as offensive to God. If the action is not directly harming the individual or is directly forbidden in Scripture, then it is counted as permissible.
- Legalism- this would be a tight adherence to religious rules and regulations. They are often accompanied by an emphasis on living separately from the world (a key part of biblical Christian living as found in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). However, an issue may arise when these issues are directly tied to salvation, which has many important implications.
Now, there exist several dangers to going too far on each end of the spectrum. From this, I will draw upon an article by Sinclair Ferguson, which is derived from his book, In Christ Alone. [1]
Potential Dangers of Christian Liberty
In Christian liberty, if a person places emphasis on retaining their own rights, they run the danger of acting in a way that is purely individualistic (or self-centredness). As outlined by the principles of Christian liberty, they may be at risk of two distinct dangers: being captive and negating the impact of other people.
The former lies in Ferguson’s first principle: “the subtle truth is that the Christian who has to exercise his or her liberty is in bondage to the very thing he or she insists on doing.”[2] In other words, do you have to exercise a particular activity? Have you chosen to engage in something which has come before other, perhaps more important things in your life?
If so, Ferguson’s statement points out that the underlying truth is that it is no longer something that is a freedom but rather is actually in danger of controlling you. Furthermore, he also states: “Does this really build up others? Is this really liberating you—or has it actually begun to enslave you (Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 6:12)?”[3]
As previously referenced, Scripture states: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
The significance here lies behind the why. If it is a Christian liberty that you must exercise, it is worth looking into. And in examining this, you could ask the Lord to guide you in truth and reveal if the way you are taking is offensive to Him.
The second danger lies in Ferguson’s third principle: “Christian liberty ought never to be used in such a way that you become a stumbling block to another Christian (Rom. 14:13).” [4]
The significance of looking out for the protection of another person is repeated through the Word. Scripture states: “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
In that day in age, food was frequently sacrificed to idols prior to being sold for consumption. There was a division between the Christians over what to do. Some knew that the idols were false and therefore were not bothered by where the meat had been before. However, other believers believed that this meat should not be consumed by a Christian. Thus, they abstained from the meat and were offended when other believers ate the meat. The Apostle Paul believed that the idol has no real existence, and there is only one God” (1 Corinthians 8:4). Thus, there was technically “freedom to partake.”
Paul understood his “rights.” And yet, he willing choose to lay it down.
“But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eatingin an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols?And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.’ (1 Corinthians 8:10-13)
Why did Paul do this? Because ultimately, his focus (and purpose) was on pointing others to Christ, rather than what he could get away with. Additionally, it is also interesting to note that in the letter to other churches, Jesus spoke judgment against Christians who did eat meat sacrificed to idols (Rev. 2:14;20).
Thus, it would appear that Christian liberty becomes a danger when it takes anyone’s eyes off of Jesus and onto lesser things, whether this is the individual making decisions about their own activities (which might be enslaving them) or in interaction with other people. Anything becomes a concern when it takes people’s eyes off of Jesus.
An elevation of certain liberties could mean that good things (such as discipleship, prayer, spending time in God’s word, or taking care of others) are diminished. This is typically seen in actions, as opposed to words.
Whatever we do, we are urged to be mindful of sharing good news and looking out for our brother and sister in Christ.
Dangers of Legalism
On the other side, in legalism, there is a very significant danger present if we tie specific things to salvation that are not stated in Scripture.
Ferguson writes concerning his second principle: “Christian liberty does not mean that you welcome fellow Christians only when you have sorted out their views on X or Y (or with a view to doing that).” [5]
Scripture highlights this truth in the book of Galatians. After being saved, which is an act of the Spirit that redeems our hearts (not by works), the people in Galatia were being instructed by false teachers that they must adhere to Jewish laws to be saved, thus tying their salvation to work rather than faith in Jesus.
And in this, the Apostle Paul corrected them strongly to get back to the fundamentals of their faith (Gal 1:1-6; 3:1-5; 10).
Biblical instruction seems to point towards the belief that where there is room to accommodate other believers’ preferences, we ought to do that. But where it is being tied to salvation, it risks compromising the Gospel.
It advocates for the belief that the remedy for our sinful nature is found within our own actions made by the will. In other words, it says that we can save ourselves by doing good. The Gospel, on the other hand, reveals the truth in that the problem of sin was so deep and the brokenness of humanity so prevalent that only Jesus Christ could redeem us. Faith in Jesus is the only way to a true restoration of the human person. Thus, legalism minimizes the problem of sin, and in turn, belittles the immense value of the cross.
In doing this, it has the potential to bring division among Christians over the non-essentials (even though the essentials are present).
Paul is asking people to rise above the conflict of non-essentials (Rom. 14:1,3).
Typically, a mark of legalism is that it is done by the individual from a place of emptiness. It is an effort to seek salvation or favor rather than reliance on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thus, the danger becomes when our eyes are turned away from Christ and onto our work. The nature of legalism is not simply the adherence to strict rules but rather a posture of the heart.
It is when these things are tied to salvation that it can lead others away from keeping their eyes on Jesus. It becomes performance-based rather than faith-based. It causes bondage to the very heart that was meant to walk in restful freedom.
Therefore, either way, whether it be through acting in Christian liberty or adherence to strict rules, it becomes dangerous if it gets people’s eyes off of Jesus Christ.
Surrender from a Heart of Love
However, there does exist another option.
Surrendering our rights from a heart filled with love.
You may evaluate your own activities and recognize that there is no real reason to give up a Christian liberty.
Or perhaps you might have to lay it down. But how do you do this? And should you?
In today’s society, following laws or abstaining from certain things is often too quickly referred to as legalism when in fact, it is simply following in obedience to God. It is not being done in judgment but full of love.
To some people, serving God requires certain sacrifices that are unique, given their set of circumstances or context of ministry. A biblical example here is found in John the Baptist, who lived in temperance (gave up alcoholic beverages) for service to God. He was by no means walking in legalism but in obedience and faith. Though his journey with God required something unique for him to forgo (in comparison to other people in the Bible), he was simply following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Also, often a mark of legalism is a person doing it from a place of desperation or emptiness to be saved. They are yearning for something and are finding a way to work to obtain it. Whether it be peace, to feel love, an attempt to cleanse themselves or see themselves as holy.
However, a person laying down certain rights from a heart of love is doing it from a place of fullness. In love and devotion to Jesus Christ, it is a relatively small price to pay for such a privilege. It is an effect of love rather than the cause.
This does not mean sacrifice is comfortable. Often too many of us, it is not. We naturally do not like to be challenged to part with something we once enjoyed or desire to enjoy. This is why emotions may not be the best drivers.
What it means, rather, is that in a determination that something else is greater than that which is being left behind. And here’s why.
Maintaining focus
This leads us to the overarching truth. Society has a tendency to raise personal rights/ liberation (that, to some, is actually not true freedom) as the main priority in our lives. It is to be protected at all costs.
Yet as Christians, our focus is elsewhere: the primary focus of our lives is our relationship with the Father. God’s love for us, and because of that, we are invited to love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27).
The truth is we were made for much more than fulfilling our temporary pleasures. We were crafted with a purpose; “to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.”[6] There are beautiful blessings that are given. But we are invited to not enjoy the gift alone but are invited to personally delight in the Giver of life. And in this, we find the purest rest for our souls.
Our lives are not about us. And this is the most wonderful and liberating truth. It is not made to reduce our value by no means, for we see that by the cross of Christ, our souls are of great value to God.
And we are now part of a much grander narrative. God is revealing Himself to the world, and He is using us as believers. We are the jars of clay, in which He is communicating the beauty of the Gospel (2 Cor 2:7). As famous theologian Charles Spurgeon once said,
“Consider how precious a soul must be when both God and the devil are after it.” [7]
The Apostle Paul writes:
“For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died” (Rom. 14:15).
In other words, Paul is calling us to put the rights into proper perspective. There is something bigger going on that is greater than what we eat and drink. That is proclaiming the Gospel to a world that is dying. To have people encounter the love of God, seen in the sacrifice for our sins at the cross by Jesus Christ, and through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Thus, it seems that he forgoes the temporal to point to that which is eternal.
This is why the same man who corrected the Galatian church is the same one who urged people to give up meat and who circumcised Timothy so that he could preach to the Gentiles. In these particular contexts, spreading the Gospel was the primary thing, and it did not comprise the it by forgoing these specific things for the sake of the Gospel. Whenever the actions are put higher than the Gospel itself, Paul condemns it.
The Sacrifice of Jesus Chirst
We serve a God who requires every part of who we are. And yet, Jesus also is the One who gave up His very life for us. The Father gave us His most precious gift, His only Son so that we would be reconciled to Him. The Bible reads, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Jesus laid down His life so that we could participate in His family.
And so in this grand narrative, it places the issue of rights as secondary. If our aim is to live at peace with one another and lead them to Christ, then whatever decision best fits this should be the believer’s choice.
This aligns with Ferguson’s fourth and final principle: “Christian liberty requires grasping the principle that will produce this true biblical balance: “We … ought … not to please ourselves…. For even Christ did not please himself ” (Rom. 15:1-3).[8]
When something is laid down for the sake of Christ and His beloved children, it is done with the other person’s best interest at heart.
But What should I lay down?
At this point, you may be wondering what is necessary to lay down?
Asking these questions is critical and should be done prayerfully and in searching the Scriptures for biblical principles. What is God saying to you regarding a specific thing? If you ask Him to reveal the truth to you, and you are open to accepting the answer, He will.
Context should be kept in mind, including cultural and societal. For example, is there a particular lifestyle that follows indulging in something? Should a Christian be doing it?
Contrastingly, if you are wondering whether you should give up something that seems to make absolutely no sense or seem to contradict another biblical principle, it is worth testing. For example, some would almost go as far as a desert father, which it entails not taking care of your body in some fashion, thus contradicting the overarching biblical principles. That is aestheticism, not minimalism. Discipline (which we are called to) is far different than neglect (which is unbiblical).
There are times when something may not make sense. However, often God is incredibly practical.
Further questions that may be worth asking to evaluate:
Are there legitimate reasons/ concerns other people or yourself have for laying it down? Whether this is posed by someone else or yourself under truth evaluation.
If there is something, you are having a hard time laying down? Why are you struggling? (sometimes an unhealthy attachment can be found in what we are not willing to lay down).
Who is benefiting from the activity? Is it others or yourself? This does not mean we cannot enjoy blessings from the Lord, which He has crafted to be desires that fulfill our hearts. But if they come at the cost that Paul would not pay, there is a problem.
Is it truly holding you captive, as Sinclair Ferguson suggested?
Is it pulling me closer to God or farther away?
Would anyone else benefit in their spiritual walk by you laying this down?
Is it something you are uncomfortable to be without? Why?
How would you feel if God instructed you to give it up so that you could minister to a group of people for the rest of your life?
We all have decisions to make. May we make ones that lead ourselves, and others to the feet of Jesus.
Let us hold fast to the love of God and hold everything we have, including our rights, with an open hand of love.
Works Cited
[1] Sinclair Ferguson. “4 Principles for the Exercise of Christian Liberty.” Ligonier Ministries. Accessed November 13, 2021. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/4-principles-exercise-christian-liberty.
[3] Ferguson
[4] Ferguson
[5] Ferguson
[6] The Westminster Shorter, Catechsim “Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of Divines.” Reformed Theology at A Puritan’s Mind. Accessed November 13, 2021. https://www.apuritansmind.com/westminster-standards/shorter-catechism/.
[7] C. H. Spurgeon “Profit and Loss by C. H. Spurgeon.” Blue Letter Bible. Blue Letter Bible, April 18, 1970. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/spurgeon_charles/sermons/0092.cfm.
[8] Ferguson.