Right now, I’m thinking of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. One thing I remember and admire about her is how she always carried herself. Without doubt, she portrayed quality character, even in difficulties. Matter of fact, as I followed her life and conduct, I witnessed how she portrayed her position of privilege.
How does a discussion about privilege apply to you? Let’s explore together.
Privilege
Authors: Mark Greene & Catherine Butcher Copyright 2016 Bible Society, HOPE, LICC
Queen Elizabeth was a striking person of power, grace, and humility. Often, however, her privilege was disguised as obligation. Essentially, she believed her life of privilege was actually an obligation to the crown. Remarkably, this monarch left an amazing legacy.
Oddly, for her, life as a royal was more accurately the abdication to Elizabeth’s private life. She did not want to be queen.
Yet, upon realizing this had become her destiny, she prioritized her obligations to her country over her own preferences.
Privilege – Definition
Here is a definition of privilege for today’s content –
- A right attached specifically to a position or an office.
- A special opportunity to do something.
Obligation – Definition
The definition of obligation ranges –
- A formal contract.
- A promise.
- Demands of conscience that obligate a person to act.
- A commitment.
- A debt of gratitude.
- Duty or responsibility.
- Commitment to a course of action.
Subsequently, privilege always comes with obligation.
Privilege – Call To Action
The idea of privilege describes your relationship with Jesus. Some people wrongly think indebtedness to God is a favor they may or may not reciprocate. Actually, it’s an obligation to “do” certain things each day. Literally, this affects how you live your life.
Simultaneously, privilege is a pleasant responsibility. Perhaps not always what you had in mind. Yet – a trust given to you. Plus, it’s a response of gratitude and love to Jesus Christ – because He first loved you. (1 Jn. 4:19)
Further, forgiveness and eternal life are not Christmas presents you receive – then later decide whether you keep them or pass on to someone else. Rather, these gifts are a call to action.
Privilege is a special call to action.
Privilege Brings Obligation
With a true understanding of what Jesus has done for you, there’s deep realization of voluntary obligation. Frankly, a debt of position you can never repay. Invariably, your new position of royalty in Christ automatically calls for gratitude. Indeed, the privilege of a deep, undeserved friendship with a loving Friend has certain obligation.
Jesus graciously paid all penalties against His people. So, if you accept His gifts – forgiveness, eternal life, and friendship – it’s an obligation you’re eager to live under.
Interestingly, this obligation also gives freedom from sin’s power.
So, privilege brings obligation.
Privilege Means Responsibility
Privilege means responsibility. It’s a kind-of “binding” yourself to what is right and appropriate. Plus, it’s “binding” yourself to a life of gratitude. Essentially, a grateful heart represents someone who values excellent character. Subsequently, that person also understands privilege simply means responsibility.
Incidentally, responsibility is so practical. So “every day.” Indeed, your life is filled with these kinds of commitments. Namely, to your family, friends, job, community, and so forth. Essentially, responsibility is part of your privilege.
Notably, the rewards of faithfully fulfilling responsibilities brings both satisfaction and credibility.
Interestingly, a relationship with Jesus automatically carries responsibilities. He fulfilled – and continues to fulfill – His responsibilities to His followers. Equally, fulfilling your responsibilities to Him each day shows your faithful love for Him.
Love between you and Jesus always brings blessings. Remarkably, gaining Christ as your dearest Companion yields eternal pleasures and joys. The responsibilities of these blessings start in this life – before Heaven.
You can never lose when you bind yourself to responsibilities of privilege.
Debtors And Servants
Consider with me: we are debtors and servants of God. Yet, we are His children and heirs. Further, He call us His friends. (Jn. 15:15) Utterly amazing!
Unthinkably, we have a dear Father, who Jesus calls “Abba.” Nevertheless, this privilege is a call to action, and brings obligation and responsibility to God, His kingdom, His estate, and His will.
Every thought, word, attitude, and deed represents God – or not. Thereby, you carry out –
- Call to action.
- Obligation.
- Responsibility.
Incredibly, you can have intimate relationship with God! It’s nothing short of a miracle. Quite literally, you are a debtor and servant. Simultaneously, and by grace, you are also very dear to God.
Privilege As Benefactor
There’s another facet about privilege. We’ve hinted at it when we mentioned God, His kingdom, His estate, and His will. Remarkably, you are a benefactor to everything that is God’s. Further, you are included in His incredible, lucrative, eternal will.
Scripture says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9)
Remember, you are a “royal” when you become a Jesus follower.
Much like Queen Elizabeth preferred to live a quiet personal life – with privilege, she gained respect, globally. I’m convinced, history will be exceedingly kind to her because she modeled how to truly be a quality “royal.” Subsequently, she commanded power and respect. Plus, she was privileged to influence the world.
So, what privileged position has God put in front of you as a benefactor?
Service And Opportunity
There are opportunities of service – brilliantly disguised as obligation.
Through sincere service from the heart, a strong believer can become seasoned through difficult experiences and various sufferings.
A Jesus follower can learn to navigate hardships that can’t be side-stepped – and do it with the gracious character of Jesus.
New believers are just starting to learn the ropes. Give them opportunities to grow and become strong in their service of Jesus.
Many obligations are really opportunities of service – brilliantly disguised.
Good Questions
We’ve often said good questions help. Basically, they help determine your process. Plus, they provide insights and energy to move forward. Further, good questions help you assess what your life strategy is and how it’s working. Finally, they measure your character.
Interestingly, if you never ask yourself good questions, you only have partial information needed to live an Alive and Active Life. Plus, you live rather in the dark. That means, you can’t/won’t move forward into growth and development.
What Good Questions Do
Some people don’t ask good questions because they are afraid of the answers and responsibilities. So, choose good questions for these purposes –
- To enrich, challenge, and enable you to live better. This takes courage.
- Interestingly, good questions also carry an obligation to follow-up responses. This means be present in the moment.
- Essentially, they show value in reasonable, measurable goals. So, thoughtfully set goals.
- Plus, to invest energy into addressing problems in your life, community, and country. This means being pro-active and involved.
- Thoughtfully nurturing your relationship with others. Basically, catering your focus to their needs – to build them up in Christ. (Eph. 4:29) This means being selfless.
Privilege Of Serving God And His Purposes
To accomplish God’s purposes means being willing to do some things you would not otherwise do. Being willing is the key in scenarios like these –
- Choose courage. To faithfully live close to Jesus in daily details of your life. Also, to trust God when misunderstood, misrepresented, or insulted.
- In every life scenario, commit to be a humble learner. A whole-hearted response means be “present in the moment.”
- Be open and eager to learn. This not only benefits you. It also benefits others around you. Interestingly, learning requires thoughtfully setting goals.
- Be faithful in endurance and steadfastness. Also rejoice in sufferings. These qualities practiced in hardships makes you proficient in them. Further, these character qualities require being pro-active and involved.
- Spend time reading, studying, meditating, and memorizing God’s Word to receive power, wisdom, and hope. Essentially, pour your time and energy into living in God’s character. Of course, this means being selfless.
Did you notice the privilege of serving God produces the same kinds of responses as answering good questions?
- Courage.
- Present in the moment.
- Thoughtfully setting goals.
- Being pro-active and involved.
- Being selfless.
Subsequently, living in privilege gives you the chance to be who God designed. A person of royalty.
Application Thoughts And Questions
Who comes to your mind when you think about privilege and royalty?- How can you implement privilege as a call to action in your community?
- Have you accepted that privilege as God’s child requires a response of obligation?
- How are you carrying out the responsibilities of privilege in your home, community, and world?
- Are you being a servant – benefactor as God’s heir? What does that look like?
- Are you investing energy into asking good questions?
- Do you live in –
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- Courage.
- Present in the moment.
- Thoughtfully setting goals.
- Being pro-active and involved.
- Being selfless.
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* Portions of this content came from my book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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