“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”-Luke 12:48
When I think of privilege, I think of a special benefit or advantage that has been given to me, and not to others. Oftentimes, in this world, privilege is used to further advantage or improve oneself. However, the privileges that come to the Christian are not to be coveted but accepted as a responsibility.
My testimony is that it’s a privilege to be born into the home that I was born into. Born into a home with a sanctified father and mother. Who loved each other, respected each other, and taught us the Bible through word and deed. Who demonstrated the love of God and kept us close to Holy Ghost filled people. It’s a privilege to be raised in the church I was raised in. A church that teaches the Word of God with integrity and faithfulness. That worships authentically in Spirit and in truth. That endeavors to teach and hold forth the true doctrine. Most of all, it’s a privilege to know Christ and be known by Him. It’s a privilege to be an American, and to be given access to freedoms, higher education, and a standard of living that kept me far away from poverty. These are just some of the many privileges that have stemmed from choices that I never made, but that others made ahead of me. Due to their faithfulness and choices to serve Christ, it passed down through the generation’s privileges, blessings, and benefits. Which at the end of it all, comes from God. I know I am not the only one, and there are more who share in these blessings. Who drink from “wells they didn’t dig” and eat from “vineyards they didn’t plant” so to speak. Truly, we have been given much, and unto whom much is given, of him shall be much required. Scripture tells us of an austere man who gave talents of money to three of his servants. To one he gave five talents (maybe a couple million dollars in today’s money). To another he gave two talents and to another he gave one talent. Their lord left on a long journey and upon returning he wanted to see what had become of his investment. The first two servants doubled their lord’s money, and the last hid it in the earth. The lord blessed the first two and was angry at the last. Why was he angry? Because he was not interested in saving, but in multiplying. This privilege, benefit, or blessing was given to his three servants along with the responsibility to multiply it. Jesus gave his life to redeem mankind, and he is calling upon us to be part in seeking out souls who would be saved. What we are given is to be used to multiply for the Master, and we should take great care how we spend our Lord’s resources; because everything that has been given to us is a privilege, and every privilege a responsibility.
Christian privilege carries with it responsibility, and cries against exclusivity. God gave freely, ought we not to do the same? If you have more knowledge of scripture, you’re accountable to live and teach it. If you have more substance at your disposal and you’re accountable to steward and give. Whatever God has given is to be shared because it is not ours to covet. This is especially true with the gospel of Christ. A gospel that offers redemption from all sin, and sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit. A gospel that delivers and keeps. A gospel that brings us into fellowship with God and Christ. This is worth more than all the world’s riches. Have you been put in trust to share it? May God help. For 1st Thessalonians 2:4 says: “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”
