Embrace Your Privilege

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking on the form of a bond servant and coming in the likeness of men.  Philippians 2:5-7


Privilege is defined as a special advantage or immunity not embraced by all, or a right reserved exclusively for a particular person or group. Throughout the history of mankind, there has always been a group of people who were more privileged than others. In many situations there are several individuals who enjoy certain privileges based on their position, their family, or their personal accomplishments. Having groups or individuals who are privileged is not something that was invented by man. Throughout the Bible, we see groups and individuals who enjoy special advantages or rights because of their relationship with God. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came as one who was privileged. He enjoyed special advantages as the only begotten Son of God; being God in the flesh and having all powers under His command. The key to privilege is not the privilege itself but rather how you use the privilege. Jesus did not deny or reject His privilege but used it to fulfill the will of His father. He was not ashamed of it but rather through meekness, called upon His privilege to achieve the mission He was given to accomplish.

There are many believers who find themselves privileged because of the family they are born into, the country they are from, or just by the mere fact that that they have accomplished success in their vocation or business; however, they are ashamed or feel guilty that they are able to enjoy certain privileges or rights that others do not have. Like Jesus Christ, you must not be ashamed of your privilege but rather embrace it and seek the Lord as to how you ought to use that privilege to fulfill His will in the earth realm.

By the grace of God I grew up privileged, the son of a successful business woman and politician. My family enjoyed the privileges of the ruling class of my country. Because of this privilege, I was able to come to the United States and enjoyed a certain education early in my development; I had certain exposure to business and government that the average person does not have. I enjoyed relationships with individuals who inspired me to believe in myself and pursue my dreams. With this privilege came a responsibility; thank God I had a mother who taught us about the responsibility of privilege. Your privilege is not so that you can enjoy the finest things in life, but rather so that you can be of service to others. Coming to Christ brought an eternal dimension to this concept. Every child of God is privileged. The Bible tells us that we are joint heirs with Christ, we are kings and priests and God has given us stewardship over the works of His hands. What a privilege! Someone more powerful then my mother, richer then Bill Gates, and wiser than Einstein, has made us joint heirs with His only begotten Son. He has made us to be kings and priests, meaning that we are little rulers in our own right and can come to Him boldly for spiritual matters. He also placed His resources at our disposal. Wow!

Embrace your privilege and understand the awesome responsibility that comes with it. Do not be ashamed nor feel guilty about it, rather, ask God why He privileged you and how you ought to use that privilege for His glory. Thank God for men and women of God who have historically used their privilege to accomplish God's will in the earth. Should your business become a financial success so that your children and grand children enjoy the privileges I enjoyed, make sure they understand the responsibility of privilege and its eternal implications so they may build upon your legacy to continue to advance the will of God in the earth realm.

Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.