Embracing Our Right To Be Wronged

On Wednesday, David Roper helped us to think about some issues related to power and authority. He challenged us to consider the model of Christ—One who possessed all authority yet chose to live as a servant—as our guide for life and ministry leadership.

 Let’s face it, living a life that embodies sacrifice and others-centeredness is exceedingly difficult. We like to be comfortable. We like to have things our way. We don’t like to be the one who is wronged. It takes much more discipline and strength to serve when we don’t have to than it does to be the one who receives service due them.

 One of the most powerful truths about our Lord Jesus is this: When Jesus gave up the glories of heaven He did so with the express purpose of becoming sin for us. The One who knew no sin suffered in our place to redeem and reconcile us to Himself. But this reconciliation was not just a judicial verdict pronouncing us “not guilty.” It’s transformative in that we are now enabled and invited to become the righteousness of God. We are His representatives in the here and now. In essence, when people see us, they should see a reflection of Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).

 Jesus gave up His right to be treated as He deserves and chose to be wronged for us. How could this idea change the way you serve as a leader and lead as a servant? If you and I really decided to humbly embrace our calling to serve as Christ’s ambassadors in the here and now, how might that radically affect how we lead and subsequently represent the righteousness of God in Christ?