There is a lot of talk today about privilege. I have heard of male privilege, straight privilege, and white privilege. If such things exist, I guess I have them. I assume it was because of privilege I starting doing part-time and summer work when I was about 12 years old to buy my own school clothes. I paid my own way through college; because of privilege I did not get any grants, loans, and my parents didn’t pay my way. Over the years of my long life, due to privilege, I have always bought my own food, and provided for my own transportation, housing, and medical care.
I guess it was also my privilege that my ancestors dreaming of a better life for their children paid the fare and legally came to this country. The country received them, they renounced their former citizenship, learned the language, adapted to the American lifestyle, and set about to acclimate themselves to blend into the American fabric.
Through privilege, my dad with only an 8th grade education, yet through good morals and hard work provided for his family. I did have a stable home life, but that didn’t automatically come because of some privilege. It came because of faith, hard work, and a spirit of self-sacrifice.
Yes, I am privileged. The truth is, I have been exceptionally privileged all my life, albeit not in the way most would see it. Actually, most folks screaming for privilege wouldn’t want the kind of privileges I had. I am privileged that values like loyalty, faith, patriotism, and pulling your own weight through hard work were passed along to me.
I know discrimination exists in our world, just as privilege exists. But usually, it is not a matter of white or black, male or female or any other division which we seek, but a matter of the values we pass along, and the legacy we leave, that brings about the “privilege.” Quite frankly, I see nothing wrong with that.
To say that my family, my ancestors, and my children should be defined by their privilege is an insult. Others don’t know what their struggles have been, or what they may have gone through to be where they are. Assuming they’ve benefitted from some elite power system or some other conspiratorial institution denies them credit for all they’ve done; things of which most may not even conceive. None of us know whose blood was shed defending our freedom. We don’t know who sacrificed so that we could escape oppression. None of us know, all the people, of every race and tongue, that toiled to bring us where we are today.
I know I am not a self-made man. I am a composite of many people who have influenced my life. I have never done everything exclusively of myself. I am very much aware that someone sacrificed themselves so that I could lead a better life. But that is a legacy I am proud of; it is also a legacy I must build upon. Yes, I have thoroughly evaluated and accessed my privilege, and I have nothing to be ashamed of.
Of course, in all honesty, some people have a level of privilege that I have never enjoyed. I don’t envy them for it, but it must mean they have earned a level of privilege that I have never been introduced to. They have the privilege of wearing expensive sneakers when they’ve never had a job. They have the privilege of owning extravagant electronics while living on public assistance, and the privilege of having a free smartphone with a data plan much better than mine. Somehow, they can also afford fancy tires and rims for their cars. I must admit, I would like to know their secret.
This privileged group has also found a way to live in subsidized housing and consume subsidized food. They also seem to have the privilege to go out and march or protest for days on end without worrying about calling out of work or suffering the consequences that would usually accompany such behavior. As I said, that is a level of privilege I have never attained. So, no, I do not bask in my social privilege, but there is a form of privilege that I do enjoy. I am referring to the Christian privilege. Actually, there are quite a few benefits for men and women of every race and nationality who enjoy the Christian privilege.
First, you have the Holy Spirit living within you. When we become Christians, God seals us with the Holy Spirit so we might know God intimately, become conformed to the image of Christ, and receive gifts in order to serve our Lord. Think about that for a moment; the Holy God lives within me. Most of the other things I will go over are simply because of the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would call that a privilege.
Next, you get wisdom and discernment. Have you ever felt so bombarded with messages and opinions that you struggle to know what to do? In this age of constant connection, we are bombarded everyday with enticements to follow one path or another. What do we do? As Christians, we have access to the storehouse of all wisdom: The presence of the Holy Spirit that fills us, the endless teachings and practices for living we find in the Bible, and direct access to the Creator of the Universe through prayer.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” As Christians, we have resources to find discernment and make good choices even in a world where everyone is shouting their opinion. Now, that’s Christian privilege.
Third, you get peace in times of trouble. One of the things Christ taught is that we shouldn’t worry. A person who has matured in their faith will understand how to give their worries over to Jesus. In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus told his disciples that there’s no need to worry about what they’ll eat, drink or wear because God already knows what His children need and is more than willing and able to provide for all their needs. The Lord doesn’t just give us hope for a better future, He actively wants us to come to Him when we’re feeling anxious and needing peace.
I Peter 5:7 says “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” As Christians, we can’t avoid all stressful or bad situations, but we can find peace in the midst of them when we ask the Lord for help. I would call that a privilege.
Fourth, you are call to a standard for service above yourself. What sets Christians and the Church apart from the world is that we have all been given an important job. A job where we can find fulfillment, truly make a difference, and be handsomely rewarded in the process. Service is our greater purpose as Christians, and it’s the driving force behind many of our decisions to help others in times of need. Fulfilment in life is guaranteed for the believer. Fulfilment is not defined by the achievement of a man, but the completion of his God given assignment. When you walk with God, you live with a comprehensive knowledge and a strong consciousness of your purpose. There can be no fulfilment when the individual is a stranger to his own purpose. But I know my purpose, and I would call that a privilege.
Fifth, you have the assurance that all situations can be used for a greater purpose. One of my favorite benefits of being a Christian is that I can view every situation, whether it appears to be good or bad, with a perspective of how God might use it for my benefit, or the benefit of someone around me.
Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” In all things God is able to use each situation for good. Whether that’s to bless us, grow us, or just use our situation to display the miracles or works of God, the Lord uses each situation for the greater good.
As Christians, we can view our challenges, hurts, and hardships as opportunities for the works of God to be displayed through us. Even in hard times, we can be miracle seekers, people who commit to finding the good in even the darkest of situations because God is constantly weaving things together for His glory. I would call that a privilege.
Sixth, you get the constant presence and opportunity to commune with a loving and caring God. People are constantly seeking help from counselors, mentors, and coaches in our modern world. And most of the time, they only get limited access to the person. Sometimes, all you get is just a pre-recorded message. However, as Christians, we have constant access to God. We can talk to Him from wherever we are, whenever we want. When Jesus died on the cross, He tore the literal veil in the temple that was previously separating God and man. Because of His sacrifice, we have direct access to the God of the universe and are never alone. I would call that a privilege.
Seventh, you know your life is preserved. Although Christians can get sick just like anyone else, a Spirit filled Christian is better able to cope with sickness. There is something about knowing that this world is not your permanent home and that you are not dwelling in your permanent body that allows you to put many things in perspective, including sickness and disease. Jesus promised His followers that as long as they lived in the world, they’d have tribulations. But He didn’t leave it there. He went on to say that because He had overcome the world, those who believe in Him have the ability to do the same.
As a Christian living with God, we know that in the end there will be no more suffering or evil. I will have a new body awaiting me in glory. Our hope in this promise causes us to lift our eyes above this vale of tears, toward Jesus who will one day wipe away every tear from our eyes.
Even regarding death, men who live for God do not need to fret about their security because God himself preserves them. These are men who live without fear. Nothing and nobody can tamper with the life of a man whose assignment on earth is not over. These are men who God has made his personal assignment. I would call that a privilege.
Number eight, you know you have forgiveness of past and future sins. This one hits to the very heart about what being a Christian means. One of the main benefits of being a Christian is knowing with certainty that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross means that all of your sins are forgiven; past, present, and future.
When we confess our sins to Christ and receive Him as Saviour, we are made new. We receive mercies that are new every morning. We don’t have to bear the weight of the sins that we’ve accumulated throughout our lives. And when we mess up in the future (which we will), He will be right there with us, inviting us to lay our sin down at His feet, claim our forgiveness, and realign our paths with Him. What a joy to know that we are not defined by our mistakes or missteps and can be called worthy children of the King! I would call that a privilege.
Nine, you can be assured of eternity in heaven. This is certainly a major perk. At death, I will be united with Christ in the very presence of God. I will be re-united with saved loved ones and united with the saints of old. Jesus promised His followers eternal life. Knowing that our future is secure while acknowledging this earth is not our home is one of the greatest benefits of being a Christian. Even in the midst of the unknown, we have a foundational pillar to lean on and place our faith. I would call that a privilege.
Finally, as you await heaven, you can belong to a caring community on earth. There are many social organizations that you can join to promote fellowship, caring, and good works. There are social clubs, and numerous volunteer organizations that can give you a sense of purpose. Yet, none are quite like the church. While the church is far from perfect, God has purposely set up the church as a place for Christians to worship and fellowship with one another, protect each other, and serve each other; while maintaining an aggressive outreach into the community.
Yes, I have Christian privilege. I wish everyone did. It’s free for the asking. Just imagine a world where people really cared about each other. Nobody tried to avenge themselves but instead tried to resolve disputes peaceably and calmly. There would be no hungry people because without wars and government corruption this world is amply able to feed itself. And, what if everyone had the mind of Christ and mastered the art of putting others above themselves. Wouldn’t that be a great place to live? We could close all the jails and say goodbye to crime. This is a blessing available to all men.
Boy, I sure wish everyone enjoyed privileges that I do. Sadly, many people will never have my level of privilege because it is something you have to be born with. Not physically born with, but spiritually born with; I am talking about being born again. These, and a host of other privileges, are granted to you when you are born into God’s family, when you become a citizen of God’s kingdom. Your life is indeed blessed, regardless of your race or tongue, when you freely accept your Christian privilege.
Dr. Worthington has been in the ministry for over forty years and serves as President of Pathway Ministries and Christian Bible College.