Text: Genesis 39:5-9
Memory Verse: “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
A right is a just or legal claim or title; something that is due to a person by law, tradition, or nature. Everyone has rights in one capacity or the other. Even human rights advocates have much to say about people’s rights. Regardless of what rights you have, however, your rights are limited, and you must not infringe on the rights of others. Joseph, though a slave in Potiphar’s house, had received so much favour and recognition that he became the overseer over all that Potiphar had. Yet, he recognised that his rights were limited. He had no right to touch or take advantage of his master’s wife. We have many people in position who have wrongly used their power to take advantage of people under their care, either physically, psychologically or emotionally. Are you one of such people?
Boaz, a very rich man, did not use his power or right to cheat his relative of the first right to marry Ruth. He respected the tradition and gave honour to whom honour was due (Ruth 3:12 & 13; 4:1-8). Paul did not use his right as preacher and teacher to lord it over his followers, though he saw others do so (1 Corinthians 9:12).
Always remember that your rights are limited. You must not, for instance, make a brother for whom Christ died stumble by the way you behave or do not behave (Romans 14:2 & 21). Your rights are limited by God’s standards.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, please forgive me for overstepping my boundaries and misusing my power.
2. Help me to discipline myself in reverence for You.