To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/owdNIJt9GLw
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to a new episode of the Hope Rescue Podcast. We are continuing our conversation on privilege this week, which we started in episode 145. This week we are answering some common questions in relation to privilege and discussing how God views privilege. Check it out or keep reading to hear the full discussion!
What does God require of us in relation to our privilege? Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” This passage is the perfect description of how we should utilize our privilege: with justice, kindness, and humility.
Should we feel guilt or shame for our privilege?
Guilt or shame doesn’t make any difference in our privilege, and it doesn’t help others. We shouldn’t feel guilty for having privilege, but we must understand we have a responsibility to do justice, love kindness, and walk with humility.
Should those with privilege hate their position?
You can hate the reason why you received your position of privilege if it came from a dishonest place but it’s more about what you are doing with your privilege. Now that you are in a position of privilege, how are you using your privilege for good and for others?
Is privilege absolute or relative?
Some would say privilege is absolute: you either have it or you do not. Tim would say that privilege is relative. Everyone has some privilege compared to others. If you tune in to the last two episodes, we discussed many of the different types of privilege that people have all over the world.
How does God view privilege?
We should be grateful to God for our privilege. Kimberly recommends always starting your day with a foundation of gratefulness, because we all have something we can feel grateful for. Philippians 4:11-12 says, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” When we are aware that God is the provider, we become more grateful for all we have been given. Whatever He provides is enough.
We should feel humbled that God chose us to manage our privilege. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” When we praise and honor God for what He's given us we also recognize the responsibility that comes with all He has provided.
We should find a way to leverage our privilege for the benefit of others. First Timothy 6:17-19 says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” Once we understand our privilege, Kimberly emphasizes that it’s time to take action. We should do good, be rich in good works, be generous and be ready to share all that the Lord has given us.
We should see others as better than ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” We should see other people’s needs as more significant than our personal needs.
When we believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, we immediately are granted different privileges.
We have direct access to God.
We have an anointing from the Holy Spirit.
We have eternal life despite our sin.
We have the privilege of being part of the body of Christ.
We all have spiritual gifts.
First Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” Let us praise God for the gifts we have been given and use our gifts to bless others and bring glory to Him.
QUOTES
“When we praise and honor God for what He's given us we also recognize the responsibility that comes with all He has provided.” -Tim
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