Doing Right in an Age of Demanding Rights

These days, perhaps more than ever before, we hear talk about “my rights.” During my lifetime there have been important movements to secure rights of many kinds. And today, protests and debates continue, sometimes civil and sometimes not. But amid all these demands for rights, the simple act of “doing right” isn’t greeted with the same degree of enthusiasm. And that’s unfortunate.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.: "The time is always 
right to do what is
right."
(Wikipedia photo)

It was the great civil rights leader, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” To state it in a slightly different way, there’s no wrong time to do the right thing.

Years ago, there was much discussion about “situation ethics,” especially in the business world. What’s that? One dictionary defines it as, “the doctrine of flexibility in the application of moral laws according to circumstances.” Another definition is “taking into account only the particular context of an act when evaluating it ethically, rather than judging it only according to absolute moral standards.” Does this have a familiar ring?

 

Even though we might not use the term as much, situation ethics seems to reign in the minds of many people. Doing what Dr. King advised is problematic, because who’s to say what’s right – especially when taking “context” or circumstances into account?

 

This is hardly a new phenomenon. At the end of the Old Testament book of Judges we find this sad assessment: “In those days there was no king in Israel; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

 

I wonder what would happen if the vast majority of people shifted their focus from, “I want my rights!” to “Am I doing what’s right?”

 

At his Presidential inauguration in 1953, Dwight Eisenhower preceded his inaugural remarks by uttering a very personal but public prayer. It included these words: “Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby….” Of course, this was in the days before notions of “separation of church and state” were enforced. Are we allowed today to petition God for “the power to discern clearly right from wrong”?

 

For some, that seems a very old-fashioned concept, but I think Dr. King was absolutely correct: The time is always right to do what is right.

 

In business, the circumstances may indicate that shading or even twisting the truth might be expedient or advantageous. But is it the right thing to do?

 

While walking through a convenience store, it might seem easy to snatch a pack of gum or a candy bar and leave without paying for it. But even if you’re not caught, is it the right thing to do?

 

If while driving, you receive an alert that a text you’ve been waiting for has arrived, should you read and respond to it – as long as you’re trying to be careful as you steer the car? Or should you ignore your phone until you find an appropriate place to stop? What’s the right thing to do?

 

We could consider hundreds of similar situations, many of them even more serious than those cited above. In another Old Testament book, Deuteronomy, Moses was addressing the Israelites, knowing his time on earth was coming to an end as they were anticipating finally entering the Promised Land. He said:

“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse – the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today…” (Deuteronomy 11:26-28).

 

A bit later Moses said, “You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as he sees fit” (Deuteronomy 12:8). Apparently, the Israelites had become deeply immersed in their own brand of situation ethics, leading them away from the God who had delivered them out of bondage in Egypt.

 

We find one of the best examples of doing the right thing, even when it meant denying one’s personal rights, in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. In the story, a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by robbers and left “half dead.” Two men – a Jewish priest and a Levite – were going down the road later that day and had the opportunity to go to the man’s aid. Instead, each man moved to the other side of the road and acted as if he hadn’t seen him.

 

Finally, a Samaritan – whose people were despised by the Jews – happened by and “took pity on him.” The Samaritan could have reasoned, “Why should I help a Jew? They hate me. Besides, I’ve got places to go and things to do!” However, he chose to do the right thing – bandaging the injured man’s wounds, pouring oil and wine on them to ease his pain, and then taking him to a nearby inn where he could recover. Not only that, but the Samaritan also promised to cover the man’s expenses in full.

 

As He concluded this parable, Jesus asked “the expert in the law” who had prompted the story, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” In other words, which of the men passing by chose to do what was right?

Yes, we all have rights. The U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights defines many of them. But in our troubled, increasingly self-centered world, might it not be a good thing to redirect our concerns toward doing things that are right? 

We Enjoy Our Rights, But with Those Come Responsibility

We hear a lot of discussion about rights these days. Not surprisingly, given the political and ideological divide in our country, there are greatly differing views on what those rights are, and how and when they can be used. 

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution – which are widely regarded as the Bill of Rights – a number of personal rights are specified, and others were later added. These include such things as the right to worship as one sees fit; the freedoms of speech and the press; the right to peaceable assembly; the right to bear arms; the right to a speedy and public trial with an impartial jury, and the right to vote.

 

We often focus on our rights, but not so often do we recognize the responsibilities that come with those rights. For example, it has long been acknowledged that free speech should not include shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater and inciting an unnecessary panic. There are slander and libel laws to prohibit people from wrongfully maligning others with their words.

 

Laws have been established that affect the right to bear arms. Those who possess guns have the responsibility to use them properly; those who don’t are subject of arrest and other legal actions. Even the right to vote comes with certain responsibility. I’ve always made a point of confirming when elections are being held. More recently, with the widespread use of early voting, I’ve determined when and where that option has been available to me. I won’t wade any deeper into the voting rights debate.

 

But the point is clear: When given rights, with them come responsibilities we’re expected to fulfill. Even in families, where children receive certain freedoms by birthright, parents also can assign to them increasing responsibilities as they get older. In those homes, failure to carry out their assignments may result in the curtailing of their rights and freedoms.

 

Have you ever considered that for those of us who follow Jesus Christ, we also have rights – and accompanying responsibilities?

 

We read about the most important “right” in John 1:12, which states, “Yet to all who have received [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” By believing in Jesus, trusting in Him and His atoning sacrifice for our sins, we gain an exclusive right – that of becoming a member of God’s eternal family. What good news!

 

But are there responsibilities that come with this right? If we believe the Scriptures, most definitely so. Speaking to His followers not long before He would undergo a heinous mock trial, be unjustly convicted and then executed by crucifixion, Jesus explained one of their greatest responsibilities: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

 

In essence, their failure or refusal to carry out this responsibility – loving other members of the Lord’s family – could indicate they were not legitimate children of God. Because to love others unconditionally was – and is – a reflection of Christ living in us through His Spirit.

 

Elsewhere the apostle John expounded on this truth. He wrote, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in [God’s] presence…. And this is his command, to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:18-23).

 

Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus declared another important responsibility that comes with the right to be God’s children. He directed His followers to, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Commonly referred to as Jesus’ Great Commission, He was stating that our faith is not something to be kept to ourselves, that it must be proclaimed so others can also experience His grace, forgiveness and redemption, and receive help for growing in their own faith.

 

We could enumerate many other responsibilities that come with the right to be children of God, but let’s close with one that in essence says we must be willing to give up our rights. In Philippians 2:3-4 we read, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

 

In a society that emphasizes mantras such as “You have to look out for No. 1” and “It’s all about me,” we’re called to selflessness and service, being willing to put the needs of others ahead of our own. 

As Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48). There’s no greater blessing than to have received the right to become children of God. But are we showing ourselves worthy of such responsibility? 

Even A Bit Beaten Up, ‘Old Glory’ Still Flies Proudly

Born on the 4^th of July, I became a Yankee doodle dandy by default. That is, if you accuse me of being a red, white and blue-bleeding, unapologetic patriot, de fault is with my mom who gave birth to me on that day.

Sighting an American flag flowing in the breeze has always thrilled me. Hearing the “Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” and John Philip Sousa marching tunes like “Stars and Stripes Forever” puff up my chest with pride. When Lee Greenwood sings, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” and declares he’s “proud to be an American,” I know what he means.

 

Fireworks, with their brilliant explosions of light and thundering booms, provide a fitting way for marking the anniversary of our nation’s birth as an independent nation. From its inception, the United States of America has been unique, the envy of many around the world. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

 

Growing up, I didn’t know of anyone being ashamed about their American citizenry. Independence Day was a day of celebration for just about everybody. But somewhere along the line, things changed. It’s often been said, “United we stand, divided we fall,” and factions exist today that seem determined to capitalize on division. Whether it’s the dysfunctional discord that currently infests the halls of Congress, anti-American rants on college campuses, or social media diatribes that amplify the flaws of our imperfect land, we often seem a far cry from “one nation under God.”

As my patriotic fervor builds for yet another Independence Day, it’s accompanied with a growing sense of sadness. Yes, the USA has its flaws – as has every nation throughout history. That’s because it’s made up of broken, sinful people. But even with its blemishes, our country remains a destination point for many people, not somewhere from which to flee.

 

Freedom has been a hallmark of our nation; contrary to naysayers and critics, I believe in many respects its citizens have never been more free. Rights to free speech, worship, the press, assembly, keep and bear arms, a fair trial and many others are extended to us, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other amendments added through the years. The founders of the United States demonstrated uncanny foresight in the crafting of those documents.

 

These treasured freedoms have come under attack, but they remain worth fighting for and protecting. On this Independence Day, as with all the others we’ve observed through the decades, we remember the countless thousands who gave their lives so that we might be free to live as we choose.

 

At the same time, I can’t forget the even greater freedom we have been offered, one that carries no national banners or boundaries. In Galatians 5:1 we’re reminded,“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

 

This slavery isn’t a reference to the inhumane form of bondage that has existed through most of history all around the world. Or even the practice that finally was abolished in the United States by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. No, it’s even worse – the universal, spiritual slavery described by the apostle Paul in the New Testament book of Romans:

“For we know that our old self was crucified with [Christ] so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin…. Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin…you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:6-18).

 

Today there are those who would debate how “free” our freedoms of speech, worship, the press, or owning guns should be. But as followers of Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that our freedom from sin has been achieved: “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:22-23).

 

The United States, in my opinion, is the greatest country in the world, even with all of its warts. But I know this is only a temporary home and my ultimate allegiance must be elsewhere: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). One day I will join with many family members, friends, and countless people I’ve never met to celebrate a very different kind of “independence day,” a glorious celebration that will never end.