No Rights.

     In society today, people cling tightly to their rights. We claim rights to property, possessions, feelings, and countless other rights. Just let someone infringe upon our rights and we get fired up, bent out of shape, and go to work protecting our right to whatever it is that is being threatened. This is especially true as Americans. Our country is founded upon the idea that we have certain rights that are guaranteed us, and laws are in place to protect those rights. 
     It is the same within the Church as well. The vast majority of people calling themselves Christians hold to what they feel are their rights. Once again, this is a product of the culture that we live in, a society founded upon the idea that we have rights guaranteed us.
     However, this is not how the Kingdom of God works! As Disciples of Christ we are called to give up our rights! This is what Jesus means when He speaks of losing our lives for His sake (Mark 8:35). We are called to renounce, give up our right to all of our possessions (Luke 14:33). It will cost you everything to gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). All of your plans, hopes, and dreams, all of your money and finances, all of your friends and family are no longer yours. You give up your right to anger and bitterness. You give up your right to live and do as you please. You are no longer your own, you must relenquish the right to your very self (1 Corinthians 6:19).
     We are so deceived. Many so called Christians today are living for themselves, clinging to their rights, standing up for things that do not really matter, pursuing things that have no value in the eyes of eternity. Jesus is looking for those who will deny themseves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-25). He is looking for those who will get up on that cross and die to themselves, so that He can live through them (Galatians 2:20). Nothing less than this can be called true Christianity.