God is really teaching me that the reality of the Chrisitan life demands that we forego our rights. I am currently doing the study Living Beyond Yourself, and Beth Moore points out that foregoing our rights is a characteristic of the crucified life.
I have been crucifed with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
Christ is my example for this. He could have "called ten thousand angels" or spoken in His own defense, but made the decision to forego His rights to be the ultimate sacrifice for us. God is speaking to me that I must surrender as Christ did.
You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. (I Corinthians 6:20)
Even when I want to claim my rights, as a Christian, the truth is that I cannot. I am not my own, but bought with a price. While the world might see this as bondage--it is actually freedom! Below are the lyrics to a song by Ginny Owens that capture much of what is in my heart.
Got a stack of books so I could learn how to live;
Many are left half-read covered by the cobwebs on my shelf.
And I got a list of laws growing longer everyday;
If I keep pluggin' away, maybe one day I'll perfect myself.
Oh, but all of my labor seems to be in vain;
And all of my laws just cause me more pain;
So I fall before You in all of my shame;
Ready and willing to be changed
Own me, take all that I am,
and heal me with the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me with Your gracious hand;
Break me till I'm only Yours-
Own me
You call me Daughter,
And You take my blame;
And You run to meet me,
When I cry out Your name,
So I fall before You in all of my shame,
Lord, I am willing to be changed
Own me, take all that I am,
and heal me with the blood of the Lamb.
Mold me with Your gracious hand;
Break me till I'm only Yours-
Own me
10 comments:
Well said...both by you and Ginny. Thanks for a thought provoking post.
I love Ginny Owens! This part of your post- "God is really teaching me that the reality of the Chrisitan life demands that we forego our rights" is so very true and so difficult to surrender to.
Thanks :)
Great post! I, too, am doing the Living Beyond Yourself study with some friends of mine and Ginny Owens is one of my favorites, too! We do give up our rights when we become God's child, but we gain so much more. That is great, isn't it? Blessings!
Kelly, this is an excellent post and very timely for me. God has been pointing out a few areas in my life where I have allowed the "It's my right" attitude to creep in. And because I've allowed it, He's showing me, my whole demeanor and responses have been unsatisfaction, unthankfullness, and just plain being grumpy. Your great post has just confirmed what the Lord has been showing me.
Kelly,
I loved this! We were bought with a price. I am no longer mine, but I am His!
Blessings for your weekend!
Chris
What a beautiful song, I have heard of her but never actually heard her.
Wow, what powerful song lyrics.
I love your blog (found you through Kim at Lifesong). I'm adding you to my blogroll...is that okay?
Kelly, I have to try to die to self every single day. This is powerful.
Great post! I loved Living Beyond Yourself, it is a great study.
I can point to times of joylessness in my life and link it directly to my attitude of entitlement - focusing on my rights. This is such a great reminder. Joy is more of Him, not more of me.
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