PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY

Relinquishing Our Rights: How Do We Give Up Our Rights? >> Before we get into the specific steps we can take, here are a few reminders to encourage us along the way: First, remember that who you truly are, a spirit, has already gladly given up all your rights. So this process is simply your soul (mind, will and emotions) entering into unity with God and your spirit in reality. Second, know that God is committed to this process, and asks us to join Him in that commitment on a long-term basis. Though we may relinquish our rights at this time, eradicating the effects that exerting our rights have had on our lives will take some time, and we need to be both patient and diligent to follow His lead. Third, don’t compare what you’re expected to give up with what others may be dealing with. God puts His finger on what’s most important at that time. God knows what He’s doing, and deals with every one of us where we are at any given time. Finally, be involved in the process. The following list should help you get started in relinquishing your rights in specific areas. Don’t just rush through this, but let the Lord speak to you concerning specific instances or habits. Review the list before diving in, then you may want to go on to something else, coming back at a later time, after you have had a chance to think about some of the things on the list. In this way, you are giving the Lord time to bring to your mind those memories or habits which need to be addressed. When you run across a right that you find difficult to relinquish, know that this is normal and expected of God. This pulls the rug out from under the flesh, so expect resistance — remember, the flesh has a life all its own, and doesn’t want to die! >> Relinquishing Our Rights: Checklist