The Privileged

 

Privilege – a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most: the privileges of the very rich.

 

I was the fifth of six children, the daughter of a refrigerator and freezer salesman for Sears Roebuck and Co. We wore hand-me-downs, slept 8 people in three bedrooms, and camped for vacations because it was what we could afford. We were not a privileged family by the world’s standards.

As an adult, I can see that I enjoy certain privileges; spiritual privileges, mostly.

The first time I was called to teach for the Lord it was to teach for Bible Study Fellowship. It is a Bible Study with a reputation for being a deep study of God’s Word.

I resisted God, at first. I objected that I did not know enough, that I was not as capable as the woman I thought He should call, and I was afraid. This was in April 2000 and I can still remember exactly where I was (on 5^th Street in Reading, PA, driving to go pick my son up from Boy Scouts) when God, in an inaudible communication, impressed on me the privilege He was offering me to teach His Word.

I moved from that position a few years ago but understand that I am still living a privileged life, as are many I know who have a hunger for the Word of God. When we study it, when we are able to teach it, and when we apply it to our lives, we are privileged in understanding that God’s Word brings benefit to the one who follows it.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

The word of God is 66 books of scripture put under one cover that tells one story from Genesis to Revelation. That story is God’s perfect plan for the redemption of mankind from their sinful state.

Many today want to discount the Old Testament and study only the New Testament, as if the Old Testament were irrelevant. I am so grateful (privileged, in fact) to have been introduced to the Old Testament as part of the “living and active” explanation of Hebrews 4:12 (above).

One great privilege God has offered believers is the understanding that knowing His Word is not enough, nor is teaching it. Living according to His Word is what brings the greatest privilege to the life of any believer.

This privilege is promised to us in Isaiah 32:17, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.”

Peace, righteousness, quietness, and trust: God’s grace to His own.

Are these are part of the privileged life you and I lead?