In the sermon this past Sunday, we looked at how the Gospel confronts the entitlement-attitude of the current generation. We were challenged to consider the areas of our own life where we operate in entitlement rather than surrender. In 1 Corinthians 8 and 9, the Apostle Paul uses personal examples from his own life to show how he has surrendered his rights for the sake of the Gospel. The community of Christ is distinguished from other communities by a willingness to lay down personal rights for the sake of the Gospel. Even though all things are permissible, not all things are beneficial. Paul calls the church to become “All things to all people” by laying down personal rights and preferences in order to avoid creating obstacles for unbelievers and stumbling blocks for fellow Christians. Surrendering your rights does not mean that won’t have joy. Surrendering your rights means that you are forfeiting the knock-off prizes of this temporary life for the sake of the joy of an eternal reward that far surpasses anything this world has to offer.
If you were to be honest with yourself, which word would better describe your attitude in life, surrendered or entitled? How has God challenged you recently to become “all things to all people?” Are you willing to surrender your rights and personal preferences for the sake of sharing the Gospel with others?
