By Johannes Deysel
March is a significant month for South Africans as it synonymous with Human Rights. I first became aware of the importance of human rights during my high school years. This was some time ago. The Department of Education visited our school and distributed a small beige book titled “The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.” We spent the morning listening to speakers explain the significance of human rights and how this little beige book empowers us. As I left assembly with the little book tucked in my pocket, I felt a bit invincible and empowered.
Later that day, during Bible period (when it was still a thing), the counsellor challenged us by saying that we were placing our trust in the wrong thing. This led to a heated debate, and I left the class feeling confused and upset. I couldn’t understand why striving for equality, the right to life, dignity, freedom, security, and more was misplaced trust.
It took me a couple of years to fully understand what the counsellor meant when he said, “Your trust is misplaced.” However, I agree with him completely. To explore this controversial statement biblically, let’s turn to scripture as the foundation by which we live. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”.)
Let us start with Galatians 2:20:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (NIV)
In this verse, Paul explains that when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we surrendered our old way of life and began a new life in Christ, we became a new creation. Our old self and our old ways were crucified with Christ on the cross, and we now live for Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. This requires us to lay down our will and align ourselves with Christ, trusting in Him alone. While this may be difficult to process, it is good news for us as Christians because we are no longer bound by the law but are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we are co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17), which means that we are blessed with salvation, eternal life, and a place in God’s Kingdom. However, this inheritance comes at a cost, as we will face trials and challenges in this life. But the payoff is awesome.
You may wonder about your rights, such as the right to equality, dignity, freedom, and security. Surely this is important? As Christians, we align ourselves with Christ, who is best revealed in scripture. The Bible affirms our dignity and worth in the opening pages of scripture by stating that we are created in the image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26-27). This sets us apart as special creations, and God the Creator of all knows us personally (Ps. 139:1-4), demonstrating that we matter.
Scripture promotes equality, as Leviticus 19:15 instructs us to judge fairly without showing favouritism. James 2:1 also speaks against favouritism and emphasizes treating everyone equally, without discrimination. Galatians 3:28 beautifully summarizes this by stating that we are all one in Christ, regardless of our gender, nationality, skin colour, social status, or the balance of our bank account.
Scripture also urges us to love our neighbour (Matt. 22:3) and help those in need (James 1:27). In Isaiah 1:17, we are encouraged to do what is right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, and care for those in need. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the rights of those who are defenceless. As Christians, we are called to follow these values and demonstrate the love of Christ to others.
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)
This is a powerful reminder of the freedom found in Christ. When we place our faith in Him, we are no longer burdened by the legalism and rules of the world. Paul encourages us to stand firm in this freedom and not to let ourselves be yoked again by the slavery of sin and legalism.
As Christians, it is important that we do not place our trust in man or the world, but rather in Christ. He is the only one who can provide true freedom and values that are superior to those of the world. We must remember that our trust should be placed in Him alone, and we should live in the freedom that only He can provide.
Let us always remember the significance of Galatians 5:1 and the freedom that we have in Christ. May we choose to put our trust in Him and live our lives with the confidence that comes from knowing that we are free from the bondage of sin and legalism.