Privilege

Essential Meaning of privilege

1: a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others. 

- Merriam-Webster

Privilege is a word of sudden social notoriety. It's used much more commonly in the world of popular worldly conversation today. It's become a word sparking some divisive conversation. It's been used to carry accusation, intended to bring shame and regret, and has ignited anger for some. But putting aside the worldly conversational value of the word, I'd like to call attention to the value of that word in a realm outside of the cauldron of mankind's arguments and divisiveness.

As Christ followers, we have privilege that we need not be ashamed of because God's made the rights and benefits that He offers available to all of mankind - regardless of their current race, color or creed. But even though we carry a wealth of privilege, it's sadly true that we may not clearly recognize the full value of it in our daily lives, much less take full advantage of it...

We have the privilege - the right, to believe that the word of God is true, but to what extent do we use it?

"As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me."  Micah 7:7 (NLT)

What believing faith do we have to expect that our God hears us and is aware of our situations every moment of every day and is standing by to rescue, help or intervene ... and that He does? It's a privilege that we carry, but one that has to be exercised by us to bear it's fruit. 

“My heart pounds as I think of this.It trembles within me. Listen carefully to the thunder of God’s voice as it rolls from his mouth. It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction. Then comes the roaring of the thunder—the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks. God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of his power."  Job 37:1-5 (NLT)

We have the privilege as His children to walk through this world in sound and certain confidence as His obedient children, knowing the omnipotent power and majesty of our Father with glorious wonder and joy ... but do we even think of such privilege, much less His majesty and power every moment of every day? Where is our confidence found? In circumstances, finances, popularity, our own weak human power or strength? It's our privilege as His dear children to walk with the God of all power and majesty every moment.

"They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”  1 Peter 2:8-10 (NLT)

We have the privilege as God's true children to discern the way forward based on the direction of His word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And to walk through this world bearing a title permitted through Christ's sacrifice and given by the Commander Of The Host Of Heaven's Armies - "royal priest", "holy nation", "God's very own possession".

"Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight." 2 Peter 3:11-14 (NLT)

We have the privilege to look forward to the wealth and freedom of all of God's promises as God's very own possession. But I wonder ... do we even know what we are privileged to own ... and how often do we walk in our privilege?

Submission and obedience to the command of our God is the price for such overwhelming privilege as carried by God's own children - privilege that carries no consternation, no guilt or fear, but endless freedom and joy of possession!

"I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you."  1 John 2:12-15

To embrace the kind of privilege given through God's grace and kindness, is to experience the fullness and true success in this life and life eternal that God intended for us from the beginning.

I pray that God's love, peace and kindness overtake you and leave your life awash in the privilege that He offers and that your awareness of the full wealth of it overwhelms you ...

"No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8 (NLT)