PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY

November 10, 2015

This morning’s devotional is on privilege and responsibility—how, as a Christian, we have been saved and blessed by the grace of GOD, and with that comes the responsibility to live the life necessary to uphold the Name by which that grace has been given.

One good example given was the life of King Solomon.  He was blessed with extraordinary riches and wisdom beyond imagination when he started his reign, but messed it all up when he married hundreds of women as wives and concubines, and engaged in idolatry by indulging in the idolatries and fetishes of his wives.

However, we may not have to look at such lofty ideals and archaic scenarios but instead we can only look at the people around us today.  Too many people have been born to or placed in positions of privilege and power, yet instead of using such to help those in need who really need their guidance and support, instead corrupt themselves in order to acquire more and stay in position for as long as they want, even ensuring generational successions and dynasties for their descendants even if these may be less qualified than others who would be more worthy to lead.

This is what Sir Ben Franklin has said about giving too much for a whistle.  When we do not learn to recognize the proper value of things, in this case, our GOD-given talents and blessings and how to properly use such things to share with and help others in need, we become ensnared in the trivialities and material things of life, and such greed could cost us dearly and may even be our ruin.

In the process too, most often, people lose their moral compass and get mired more and more in a life that may look good and glamorous on the outside, but inside is actually rotten and full of despair, hopelessness, lack of love and misery.

When I was in graduate school, and in the midst of two teachers clashing over principles and personalities, one reminded our class that “to those who are given much, much is demanded.”  If one has been blessed with intellect, wisdom, talents, riches, or position, such blessings are not to be for the personal edification and gratification of that person alone, but it is meant to be shared.  Again, this would be summarized as being a light for others and a salt of the earth.

In this world, too many people are suffering, without hope and often lacking in self-esteem.  If we are given the privilege to rise above the tragedies that life has given to us, such achievement should not merely be our stepping stone to rise ever higher if that means that we are going to leave behind a great many who might benefit from a little boost of help and encouragement.  We would have truly done our part in being a true human being if we have contributed to the betterment of others, be it financially, or a kind word or gracious deed.