March 23 – Opportunity, or Rights?

“Whatever is right...think about (it)...” Philippians 4:8. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”.

Paul wrote these words from the filth of a prison cell. Locked up once again because he continued to preach the message of Jesus Christ and the Cross – there were those around who were of the opinion he was getting what he asked for, but people and circumstances don't determine your attitude, you do!

Paul knew that if he was to win his own race in life, and spread the message to every person he met, despite background, creed, colour, and religion, he must learn to focus on his opportunities, not his rights. Circunstances could lock Paul in, but they couldn't cotrol his mind and keep him down.

That very night of his confinement, a jailer and his family were converted and baptised.

One of the biggest causes of discontent in this 21^st century, is our constant struggle to 'secure our rights'. Have you been wronged? Do you feel you haven't received a fair shake? That's because the world we live in is an imperfect world, and as long as it is, we won't see a time when everything we do is justly rewarded.

Continually fighting for our rights just makes us angry and resentful, because these destructive emotions sap our energy and make us negative. And besides, when we focus on our rights we're usually looking backward. You can't make progress when you're facing the wrong way! Only when you face in the right direction will you move to peace and contentment.

So, we're faced with a decision. Are we going to spend our time, our energy, our future on what should have been, or get over it and focus on what can be?

Even when truth and justice are on our side, we may never be able to right all our wrongs. But God will, so leave it in His hands.

Leaving it in His hands however, doesn't mean you won't experience past pain, when, despite your best will, old resentment push their way to the surface once again. But it does mean you can exercise your God-given freedom to choose - the future and opportunities, or your past rights.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Today's music choice is a favourite of Bryn's sung by The Greenes –“ God has another plan”.