Christian Rights
A Christian could be defined as someone who understands their rights. Do you know what they are? Based on Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23, our rights are very simple. Since “all have sinned” and “the wages of sin is death,” a Christian understands that, without Jesus, we are all under a death sentence. If Jesus hadn’t laid down His rights on our behalf, our only right would be eternal death in an unquenchable flame (Mark 9:43).
With that perspective, I’m always puzzled when churches split over things besides matters of actual sin (like lying, sexual immorality, murder, etc.). Maybe divisions wouldn’t happen so often, if more Christians truly understood their rights. Of all people, a Christian who knows their rights will be the most willing to lay them down.
Differing Opinions: Who’s Right?
I’ve written previously about how a Christian should approach divisive issues which bother someone’s conscience (whether their’s or someone else’s). I recommend reading that post (Love or Opinion? Stop the Fighting!). But, in summary, Romans 14 teaches that people with different opinions in areas of scriptural silence “cannot enforce their conclusion – no matter how logical or satisfying – on others.”
Paul based this teaching on the second Greatest Commandment, which he’d discussed in the prior chapter. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9). But, that produced an important doctrinal byproduct. Even though Christians with differences of opinion cannot condemn each other as sinners, one side must still yield to the other in order to resolve the disagreement. So, if someone has to surrender, who should call “uncle” first?
Strong or Weak?
Romans 14 addressed two issues revolving around whether or not certain activities were doctrinally permissible (eating meat and celebrating holidays). Even though the decision to eat or celebrate was not wrong, Romans 15:1 identifies which side will have to be more flexible, in the event of a conflict.
Romans 15:1-2 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
If Christians disagree on doctrine in a topic of scriptural silence, neither is wrong. But, the ones with the less restrictive practice (“we who are strong”) are called to accommodate their more conservative brothers’ concerns. Rather than tearing them down by offending their conscience (Romans 14:15,23), the “strong” should “build him up” by voluntarily laying aside their right to participate (Romans 14:20-22).
Surrendering Your Rights
Imagine if someone from the future had rushed in while Paul was writing Romans 15:1. “Paul – stop! The words you’re writing will result in Christians not always being able to take full advantage of their rights!” “Yes,” he’d reply, “that was the whole point.” Given the choice between laying aside a few trivial rights or having peace with other Christians, which do you think Jesus would have chosen?
Romans 15:3-4 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Christians should lay down their personal rights for the sake of peace with their brethren because that’s what Jesus did for us. Though He prayed for the Father to allow Him to avoid the suffering of the cross (Matthew 26:39), He willingly gave up His rightful glory for those He loved. Christians with “strong” faith can follow His example by choosing to accept (and, if necessary, endure) their weaker brethren, in spite of their restrictive views. Following Jesus’ self-sacrificial example is the only way the brotherhood (and the entire world) will have hope.
Harmony
Some people say it’s impossible for Christians with different doctrinal opinions in areas of scriptural silence to coexist in the same church. Based on Romans 13:8-15:7, I lovingly disagree. Not only is it possible for Christians with different opinions to coexist, it’s essential.
Romans 15:5-7 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Harmony is a musical term that entails many distinct parts combining into a single melodic performance. No great orchestral arrangement was ever created by having tubas and flutes play the exact same notes at the exact same time. Instead, they play in harmony. The fluttering high notes of the flutes complement the low boom of the tubas. All the other instruments fill in the gaps at their own pitch and tempo.
Christian harmony occurs when people with different views come together for a greater purpose: glorifying Jesus Christ as Lord. Our parts are separate. On their own, you might even question how it would be possible for them to fit together at all. But, when we welcome one another as brethren, the harmony of our fellowship with God results in the unity of true worship. Since Jesus surrendered His rights for me, I will happily surrender my rights so I can sing in harmony with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Let’s strive for harmony – not uniformity!