Pride kills joy; surrender your rights!
In justifying anger, many people often cite Jesus’ display of anger at the temple of Jerusalem. He turned tables and rebuked those who turned His Father’s house into a den of robbers. (Matthew 21:12–13). That was righteous anger.
However, for sinners like us, our anger is often because we think we are ‘better than others.’ It could be entitlement or righteous indignation. But it always stems from ‘wounded self-worth,’ which is really pride that slowly kills joy.
– Jesus surrendered His rights –
Jesus gave up His right to fully exercise authority on earth.
Philippians 2:5-8
Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead, He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.
Jesus gave up His right to be respected.
We expect people to respect us, especially when we possess a position of pride. Jews spat and mocked Jesus; He did nothing. (Mark 14:65)
James 4:6
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Jesus gave up His right to be treated fairly.
The apostles were never treated fairly. In fact, early Christians suffered from injustice. They were martyred because of politics. Even the trial of Jesus was illegal [Read Commentary]
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Instead, in humility, value others above yourselves.
Jesus gave up His right to be heard.
Someone asked Jesus about taxes. He knew it was unfair, yet He did not encourage people to protest. Jesus heard the cry of the people, but he did not echo their words to confront authorities. [Matthew 22:21]
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. No longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Jesus gave His right to be right.
Jesus demonstrated and taught us to surrender our rights; turn the other cheek. Perhaps you are frustrated or angered by someone or something or upset with the government. Look at the examples of Jesus.
He came for the lost souls and asked the same for us. The antidote for pride is humility, and it takes humility to surrender your rights.
It takes humility to surrender your rights.
RECOMMENDED READ:
Should Christians criticize the government?
Victimhood: Do you hate the government?
