Privilege Application

Good morning, Five Minute Families. A couple of weeks ago we opened our discussion about privilege. We defined it and we gave many examples of the type of privilege we are discussing here. We each need to be more in tune with any “privileged” behavior that can damage our family or biblical community. Awareness about the privileges you enjoy as an individual or family is important because they can be used for good if you have the proper perspective. For a reminder, we are defining ‘privilege’ as having an advantage or opportunity that most other people do not have. But, what does privilege look like within a family unit. Well, here’s one example. The male members of one side of my family had privilege that us girls did not. One of my grandfathers favored his son over his daughters, and that continued as all of us granddaughters knew that our grandfather (and in some measures our grandmother) favored the grandsons. He spent much more time engaged in conversations with them and teaching them things about life. My grandfather helped each of the boys buy their first house. Favoritism and partiality are not the fault of the person receiving them, but we must be careful if we are the one receiving favoritism or partiality. It is a privilege that not everyone experiences.In two parent families, we need to remember the privilege we have - two adults to bounce ideas between, to support one another in the tasks of running the home, to divide labor, and to multiply love. In a single parent home, the sole parent must be consistent, no matter how tired he or she becomes, or deal with the fallout that inconsistency due to lack of time or energy causes. When a child has basic needs to be met, the single parent steps up as best he or she can. Some churches will host single parent car days wherein a mechanic in the congregation works on simple tasks that the single parent often does not have the time to handle. In some communities, helping with yard work is not just for helping the widows. Single parent homes are included, too. We must all help one another. Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”Some families in your biblical community have more privilege than others. This is one of the main reasons we believe the Lord tells us repeatedly in His word to have an attitude of one anothering. Of course, He specifically mentions taking care of the orphans, widows, and the poor, but in general we are also to adopt an attitude of watching out for each other. If we do not monitor how privileged we are, we may miss opportunities to minister to one another. I was once in a situation where an organization covered everyone’s expenses of an event. One person who participated said something along the lines of, “everyone here could have paid for themselves but it was nice that the organization covered the expenses.” But, the reality was, that person was speaking from their own financial stability and ability to have disposable income. Just because someone shares an organizational connection with you does not mean they have the same financial stability as you. Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”Maybe you are in charge and most everyone does nice things for you. Believe it or not, that does not happen for everyone else around in the organization, job, community, church, small group, or whatever the situation may be. You need to realize the privilege that your position affords you and not make assumptions for those you are over based on your privilege. Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”As Jim and I helped serve a meal one evening with a nonprofit organization that feeds people who are homeless, the director and I spoke about their additional outreach to trafficked victims. I admitted that I would feel lost and unable to be of much help in that area. She shared that she had to thoroughly vet anyone who wanted to get involved in the outreach nights to the ladies in troubling situations. Some volunteers think they are ready simply because they are willing, but they can do more harm than good if they have not realized the privilege that their lives have afforded them. We must rightly apply Romans 15:1, “Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves.”Remember, five minute families, acknowledgment of the privilege you may hold is not a liberal or woke concept. It is an acknowledgement of the blessings in your life and your privilege perspective will aid you in being a better Christ-centered servant in His kingdom. Be blessed!