(3 minute read) Sue and Tom are sitting on a crisp cool day enjoying their drinks at their favorite Starbucks. Tom was taking in the aroma of his fresh brewed drink when he heard, “When I say Privileged, what does that bring to your mind?”

Tom opened his eyes and smiled at Sue, “Well, I think of affluent, rich, powerful, well-to-do person.”

Sue remarked, “So Privileged does not conjure up humble or unpretentious, does it?” Now Tom all into the conversation is already googling the definition of Privilege and says, “The definition says a special right or immunity granted or available to a particular person or group of people. So no, I do not see unpretentious or humility associated with privileged.” Tom continued as he is chuckling, “If you ask me and you did, a person in a privileged position typically ends up exercising power and control over others.” Tom with an extended arm and a huge smile on his face presented his phone screen to Sue with a quote on a google screen saying, “Aha there it is; Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Sue had a sad and gloomy face when she said, “But if you think of us Christians, we are definitely privileged by being granted the immunity that God grants us. And we know it, and know it too well. Then how can we develop assets to be humble, meek, merciful, even poor in spirit, and all the while know and feel privileged??”

Tom’s face was blank and with quite a puzzled look said, “Oh my dear Sue. This is one gooooood question.”

After a long and awkward pause, Sue contemplated; “I agree that to feel privileged definitely gives the feeling that I am special, which indeed does give me the feeling of pride.  And pride eventually leads to arrogance. The world views Christians as arrogant while we claim humility. No wonder the world says we are hypocrites.”

Sue’s demeanor started transforming from sad to energetic and optimistic, which infectiously made Tom’s face smile even before she said; “You know, I have a mission and it is not impossible at all. Every time I think of, or speak of what my Lord grants me, instead of feeling puffed up about it, I need to change the puffed attitude to a thankful attitude with a dose of humility. EVERY SINGLE TIME FROM NOW ON AND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. Every time.”

That’s the only way to keep the privilege from permeating through me, rather keep it in front of me to admire and not to partake of. For it is not mine to show off, rather it is a tool to keep me humble. It is really and truly simple but it ain’t gonna be easy. Therefore I will practice and practice hard day in and day out. Are you up for the task?

 

I come to you my Lord and Creator thankful for Your LOVE and Your PRESENCE, and may I always be thankful for your PRESENCE above anything else.