tim@resuscitationblog.com

Privilege! This word has been volleyed back and forth in many conversations in the past several months. It has become a term laden with more potential danger than the roadside bombs that have plagued many of the world's peacekeepers in the Middle East! Nowadays when people talk about privilege, they are mostly referencing exclusion, racism and caste mentalities. Sadly, that concept of privilege is still lodged in the minds of many who love their privileges.

A few years ago I received an invitation to an event in Seattle focused on developing emerging leaders for the future of the church. I wasn't speaking at the event, but I was delighted to be invited to attend. The subject of developing leaders is very close to my heart. I paid my registration fee and put it on my calendar. My anticipation was at it's apex as I entered the church fellowship hall hosting the event. There were some guest speakers that were my favorites. I couldn't wait! I made my way to one of many round tables set up for the participants. It felt a bit uncomfortable as I walked by many half occupied tables hoping to be invited to sit in one of the empty chairs. Many looked up from the conversations and then quickly looked away. No worries, I've sat by myself more than once. Besides, someone will surely join my at my table, I thought.  Nobody did. Ever. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on! Then I found out...the worst way possible. The event emcee approached me during the first break and stated,

"Excuse me, I can't help but wonder what you are doing here? Are you registered for this seminar? You know, it was invitation only."

I should have mentioned this before, that I was the oldest attendee in the room! And not just by a few years. I was WAY older than anyone else there! Up to this point it had not really registered with me as to why that might be the case.

"I received an invitation by email from you personally", was my response to the organizer.

"Well this is some kind of mistake, because you are obviously too old to be here. This a gathering of young people who are passionate about leading the church in the future! Look around, you're a bit out of your element."

Ouch! That felt horrible to know I was unwanted because I was different and unlike the rest of the privileged class. Now, I can't really begin to know how it feels to be the "unprivileged" on the losing end of this term these days. But I am confident it causes pain, frustration and even rage to be treated poorly by the privileged. Who can blame anyone who is experiencing that kind of mistreatment? I sure can't and won't! Sadly, though, the church has been one of the worst offenders when it comes to demanding special privileges. It seems she has forgotten the way of her Savior and wandered off after the forbidden fruit of special treatment.

My question is really this : When did privilege, for the follower of Jesus, become this ungodly desire for exceptional consideration? This way of life was not taught to us by our Jesus! The Apostle Paul wrote some of the most amazing words about Him in Philippians 2:6-11:

6 

Though he was God,[a]
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
    he took the humble position of a slave[c]
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 

    he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 

and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

(NLT)

I can't find any privilege here, except the privilege of humility, self sacrifice and death. I believe He would consider it His great privilege to be able to put others first...before Himself. This was His sweet attitude in His human journey on earth. It was His attitude before He became human. It is still His attitude today! Often, we ask Him in our prayers, "Lord how can I serve you today?" Recently, in speaking about our servant savior, Professor Cherith Nordling shared, "One morning as I prayed that prayer, it was as if I heard Jesus reply, "Cherith, how can I serve YOU today?" Wow! What an amazing thought, nay, reality about our Lord, Who didn't exist to ne served, but to serve! It appears to be His privilege to serve the Father and His creation.

Oh, there was one verse I should have included from Philippians 2. It's verse 5:

5

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

You, who? Me, that's who! Followers of Jesus, that's who! If we demand our privileges, let it be the privilege of loving, sacrificing and generosity. That's is the kind of privilege that changes the world. It facilitates the will of the Father done, "on earth as it is in heaven." If we follow the Jesus way, this MUST define our stated intention when we say:

"It's my privilege"

Pastor Tim