Thoughts - Romans 1:1-7

I do not like the term "human rights." While I understand what is behind such a phrase, I would prefer the words "human privileges" be used. I believe that nothing we are given in God's creation comes as a right, but rather as a blessing. Furthermore, the minute something becomes a "right" we risk the danger of ceasing to be thankful for it.
Why is it that believers are so protective of our rights? The world certainly enjoys talking about rights. We all want comfort and success and protection. These are all good things. We want help in the pursuit of all that life offers. We desire that no one be left behind or taken advantage of, at least in principle.
As believers, though we personally want to taste all good things, something else takes a higher priority, namely the will of God. We are slaves, and slaves are the property of another. By definition then, slaves have no rights. We are God's possession, to be used however He sees fit. Paul understood this clearly. Do I? 

With a Towel Around His Waist - John 13:1-20

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.

I think that I would have been a great monarch. I don’t say this for the reasons you might assume (such as wisdom, a face that would look good on a ten dollar bill or a flair for polo) but for one essential personality trait which I possess: I love to be served. There is a certain laziness about me which excels in moments of being waited upon and being cleaned up after. Years of marriage are finally crucifying this sad aspect of my existence, but it has been a hard-fought battle, as Karen, my wife, can testify to.

            One of the most striking episodes in the Gospels is found in John 13:1-20. Here we meet Jesus as the one who serves. You would expect God in the flesh to set up His throne and demand all of humankind to wait on Him. However, Jesus reveals a beautiful aspect of the character of God – He is a God who loves and serves. The One through whom all things were made, the perfect and holy Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords takes off His outer robe, wraps a towel about His waist and cleans the dirty, sweaty feet of His followers.
            Foot washing, as you might guess, was a menial task. After walking on dusty ground under a hot sun feet would need to be cleansed. A servant would be made to deny him or herself and carry out this service. Or perhaps the lowest ranking member of a party would be drafted into this job. No one would ever expect the rabbi or master of a party to do this. And yet Jesus, the greatest human being who has ever lived, who was also fully divine, humbled Himself and did it.
            In doing so He set an example for His disciples. If Jesus, the Lord and Teacher served His followers, then these followers must also serve one another. They must follow the standard which He set.
            One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is pride. Do we consider ourselves too great to get down on our hands and knees and serve those in need? Would we rather look after our own interests than seek to help others? Does the call to deny ourselves resonate in our hearts? Is love our battle cry and lifelong motto? The call to discipleship is a call to die to ourselves. What opportunities for service did you take advantage of today?

Thoughts - Romans 1:1-7

Paul makes it clear that he is a slave - not simply a hired worker but a slave. He was bought by God at a great price and therefore his life is not his own. He has no personal rights and is the property of the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of humankind. God has the right to decide how Paul will spent his life and He chooses to make him an apostle, a sent one, an ambassador of heaven taking the message of redemption to a lost and hurting world. What is it, specifically, that God has set you apart to do?