In this verse, Jesus Christ laid down a very important principle by saying, “Do what you know you must do— now. Do it quickly. If you don’t, an inevitable process will begin to work ‘till you have paid the last penny’ (Matthew 5:26) in pain, agony, and distress.”

God’s laws are unchangeable and there is no escape from them. The teachings of Jesus always penetrate right to the heart of our being.Wanting to make sure that my adversary gives me all my rights is a natural thing. But Jesus says that it is a matter of inescapable and eternal importance to me that I pay my adversary what I owe him. From our Lord’s standpoint it doesn’t matter whether I am cheated or not, but what does matter is that I don’t cheat someone else.

Am I insisting on having my own rights, or am I paying what I owe from Jesus Christ’s standpoint?Do it quickly— bring yourself to judgment now. In moral and spiritual matters, you must act immediately. If you don’t, the inevitable, relentless process will begin to work. God is determined to have His child as pure, clean, and white as driven snow, and as long as there is disobedience in any point of His teaching, He will allow His Spirit to use whatever process it may take to bring us to obedience. The fact that we insist on proving that we are right is almost always a clear indication that we have some point of disobedience. No wonder the Spirit of God so strongly urges us to stay steadfastly in the light! (see John 3:19-21).

“Agree with your adversary quickly….” Have you suddenly reached a certain place in your relationship with someone, only to find that you have anger in your heart? Confess it quickly— make it right before God. Be reconciled to that person— do it now!

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June 30 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord. This devotional struck home. In a conversation with a colleague yesterday, I made certain that I asserted my rights. I suspect that there is/was nothing wrong with setting and communicating boundaries to colleagues, friends and family, but I felt a bit conflicted and convicted after reading this devotional. Asserting my right “to be right” seems to be part and parcel of simply setting and reinforcing boundaries Lord.  Am I to be a “Harvey Milquetoast” and let others steal my rights? Don’t I have to “stand up for my rights?”

And God says…”Certainly you can stand up for your rights.  It is a part of your culture, your DNA. In fact you are about to celebrate a holiday that recognizes and remembers a fight for the rights of your citizens. But this scripture and lesson are designed to remind you that whenever you are engaged in a fight for your rights, make certain that your “fight” is a byproduct of surrendering your rights to Me. This devotional is about doing what is required to stay out of confusion, conflict, and court so that you will be free… and you can stay out of jail. But jail is not the issue. Many of my disciples have found themselves in jail because of their love of God. The caution here is that you not go to jail because of love of yourself and your rights.”

“”Your rights” in our relationship start with giving up your rights. Surrender your rights to be right, to be in charge, in control. Seek first the kingdom of God, and I will provide everything else you require, including protection of your “rights”. If God is for you who can stand against you? Acknowledge Me in all our ways; do not rely on your own position on issues and conflicts, and I will make your paths straight.”