Rights And Responsibility

Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5

Have you ever wondered why child stars, given every privilege, turn to drugs, alcohol, and sex, often derailing their careers? Have you been shocked when you hear a pop star or pro athlete with outrageous behaviors say, “Don’t look at me as a role model!”

Because of their fame, they already are role models—bad ones! After reading and watching celebrity interviews, I have found there seems to be a reoccurring theme: “I have my rights.”

However, there is only one right (that I can find) listed in the Bible: “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

With rights there is always responsibility. Servicemen didn’t shed their blood and lay down their lives for people’s “right” to sin and be selfish. With success comes a challenge from God to be selfless and to focus on the greater good and higher goal.

A friend who is also a pastor said to me in a discussion on this topic, “I was taught the farther up the ladder you go, the fewer options you have.” He was saying that we have to think of others, not ourselves, so our options narrow.

Success brings the responsibility to give back to the people and community that helped train and equip you. Success brings a responsibility to be available, especially to those who made themselves available to you all along the way. Success brings the responsibility to be a good role model, rather than a poor one.