What Does Privilege mean?

The word “privilege” has been brandished around in the news media lately as if it is a bad thing. The word actually means “a gift” or “a privilege”. When we meet someone new they may say, “It’s nice to meet you”, and we might reply, “The privilege is all mine!”

A privilege is a gift for which one does nothing to deserve it.

We live on a farm. It has been in my husband’s family since the late 1700’s. We did not buy this farm, we have done nothing to deserve this farm. It is a PRIVILEGE to live here.

As I am sitting here early this morning I do not hear traffic or people or anger or conflict – I hear the birds singing and see the fog wafting through the valley. I feel a gentle breeze and smell the freshness of the morning. I do not deserve this – it is strictly a privilege – a gift that came simply by marrying a man who was born here.

Is it wrong for me to have privilege? No, but it is a great responsibility. On my Facebook page Newman Valley or on my blog with the same name, I often use the hashtag #farmstewardship because my husband and I feel that we are simply stewards of this great privilege, and we pray that God will direct us to use it to praise and serve Him.

In John 1:12 we read, “But to all who believed Him [Jesus] and accepted Him, He gave the right (the word can be translated “privilege”) to become children of God.”

Being a child of God is a privilege. It is a gift for which we do nothing to deserve it. Jesus paid the price for our free gift – but with that gift – that privilege – comes a great responsibility for He said, “To whom much is given – much is required”.

The context of that word (Luke 12:48) is the coming Day of the Lord. I do believe we are nearing that blessed Day and those of us who have privilege and even great privilege must be living and serving in a way that is commensurate to that gift for it is indeed a precious gift!

Gracious Lord, make me ever aware of the great gift of Your Love for Your Son sought me and bought me with His precious and redeeming blood.

While we live on this good earth, direct us to ever serve You in the fullest capacity of our ability – for You indeed are worthy – and we are not… we have simply been given the privilege of being called sons and daughters of God.

We thank and forever praise You – in Jesus’ Name – Amen!