In society today, it’s natural for people to demand their rights. As Americans, knowing and demanding our rights is an art form. When we make Jesus Lord, we surrender the right to lead our lives as we see fit. Followers of Jesus surrender their rights to Him, enjoying only the privileges He, in loving sovereignty, allows. In fact we consider ourselves to be slaves of God(Shocking, I know)! Our culture certainly doesn’t accommodate any positive imagery of slavery.  As followers of Jesus you may be surprised at how counter-cultural we are meant to be.

What are some of the rights we surrender when we make Jesus Lord?

(Taken from Discipleship Journal)

  • The right to a good reputation (Matthew 5:11)
  • The right to end a disappointing marriage (Matthew 5:31-32)
  • The right to hate an enemy (Matthew 5:43-47)
  • The right to spend money however we please (Matthew 6:19-21)
  • The right to be honored and served (Mark 10:42-45)
  • The right to have a comfortable, secure home (Luke 9:57-58)
  • The right to live by our own rules (John 14:23-24)
  • The right to “fit in” society (Romans 12:2, Galatians 1:10)
  • The right to take revenge (Romans 12:19-20)
  • The right to sue another believer (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
  • The right to express one’s sexuality freely (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
  • The right to do whatever feels good (Galatians 5:16-17, 1 Peter 4:2)
  • The right to put self first (Philippians 2:3-4)
  • The right to complain (Philippians 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
  • The right to hold a grudge (Colossians 3:13)
  • The right to understand God’s plan before we obey (Hebrews 11:8)
  • The right to rebel against authority (1 Peter 2:13-15)

Response questions:

  1. How does it make you feel to learn that a Christian is meant to be a “slave?”
  2. What rights are difficult for you to imagine surrendering to God?
  3. According to Mark 8:34-37, what is the result of surrendering our rights?