A Privileged Life

A Privileged Life
 
How do you define a life of privilege?
 
     My son and I were talking recently about a situation in his younger years in which a person made a decision he did not like and that affected him. It was not a “life altering” decision. But at the time it was a decision that caused him to be in a position that was less than advantageous. He was denied a privilege that would have been to his advantage. 
 
That discussion set us to talking about various scenarios that could be considered when thinking about privilege and how it affects our decisions and leanings when making decisions, and how a person who has had many privileges can deny someone else a privilege...How does a life of privilege affect our decisions?  What does it entail?
 
As I look back over my life and interactions with folks over the years, it is easy to identify those who grew up with various privileges.  Social, economical, emotional.... there were always those we could identify as “better off” or “worse off” than ourselves.  It is easier to look at “privilege” objectively from an adult perspective than it was during our growing up years. And that is a good thing. Comparison is always a trap!  
 
But as I have matured....as I have grown in Christ....and studied His Word, I have come to realize the privileges of this world are dusty relics when compared to the privileges we have as children of the King.  Every. Last. One of us.
 
We all have the same privilege when grace is dealt to us.  Grace causes comparison to be null and void, because it has been said, “the ground is level at the foot of the cross”.

At the foot of the cross it matters NOT what kind of privileged life has been ours on this earth.  Money, status, associations, neighborhoods, clubs, vocations... are all vehicles – not destinations! 
 
While reading about Paul in Acts and Philippians, I am reminded that Paul was indeed a person of privilege.  His status at birth (Roman citizen), his education (student of the wise Gamaliel), his associations (an honored member of the most prestigious religious groups), his economic status (well off), his leadership status (Jewish community – upper echelon status - “stamping out” the rebellion of those following the risen Christ).    
 
Yet, there he was, being beaten, sitting in prison – associated with the very ones he had formerly tried to stamp out.  His former status – wiped out.  His life of privilege – given up to pursue the call of Christ on his life.  Yet – he considered himself most privileged when the privileges of this world were stripped away. 
 
Acts 14:19-20 (beaten and imprisoned)
.....They beat Paul unconscious, dragged him outside the town and left him for dead..... 
 
Acts 16:22-24
...They were beaten black and blue and thrown into jail under heavy guard...
 
Where was his life of privilege now?
 
Philippians 1:15-21 (imprisoned, betrayed by other believers)
Paul in prison...some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, some think they will step right into the spotlight. Rather than being motivated by pure love – they are motivated by greed – hoping to get something for themselves.  They consider me their competition – out of the way – all the better for them. 
 
And how did Paul respond to the loss of freedom and betrayal?
 
Acts 16:25-26
...Paul and Silas (in prison) were singing hymns and praying. The other prisoners couldn’t believe their ears...
 
Philippians 1:15-21
...I have decided their motives do not matter!  I cheer them on because Christ is being proclaimed!...
 
How does Paul respond to his LOSS of PRIVILEGE?
 
Philippians 4: 10-13
  ...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.... 
 
So what consideration should we give privileges of this world?  Something to be attained -  to make us feel superior? Something to grasp and hold tightly?
 
Whatever privileges we have should be used as a vehicle for living out our purpose. Should we fall victim to the comparison trap, or should we learn to be at peace in all circumstances?
 
My prayer is that we will learn from Paul to be content – at peace -  in all situations - to realize that we have the greatest privilege of all, to be a child of the King! We should not require a privileged life to make us content!  Help us be content in ALL circumstances and to USE any earthly privilege as a vehicle for living a life of purpose and joy! AMEN