June 2 - Fight For Your Right - Wrong!

 Read today’s texts first: Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
Doing the right thing is far better
than asserting my own rights! 

It’s a nonsensical song, but it embodies the philosophy of this generation: “You gotta fight for your right to party!” I’m not sure when the Beastie Boys started having more influence than God’s Word, but the “right to party” flies in the face of both our readings today. It also just so happens to fall well short of the lunch table discussion I had with my work mates!

First, let’s look at Proverbs: Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (23:31-35). That’s funny stuff, Solomon! Methinks he spoke from experience!

Next, consider Romans: It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves (14:21,22).

So first of all, drinking to excess leads to more excess. Second, drinking any alcohol at all can become a stumbling block to those who have spiraling addictions. Prior to reading either of these passages, I had a fascinating discussion with some Salvation Army officers who laid down their rights to drink for the sake of the alcoholics they were trying to help. That’s the spirit of Jesus, who as God had the right to do anything He wanted. Instead, He laid down His rights as God and then laid down His life for us.

Sorry to be a party pooper Beastie “Boys” but I would rather follow “The Man!” I’d rather grow up than throw up! Real love, personal sacrifice, true selflessness is worth fighting for. “Lord, I’m grateful for all the role models in my life who’ve helped me understand that doing the right thing is far better than asserting my rights!”