Sorry Not Sorry

The Penalty (and Pain) of Privilege

From biblical writings to common satire and stereotypes, Americans have commonly assigned he notion of conceit or insensitivity to affluent people. Not everyone attains wealth for the sake of having it all to themselves. There are philanthropists who use their resources to improve conditions of others who are less fortunate. The Red Crosses, United Ways and local food pantries of this world wouldn’t exist without them. Still it’s easy to condemn or shame the well-to-do because you don’t associate golf courses and yacht clubs with any sort of struggle or brokenness. The bible has a lot to say about the love of money and the destruction that derives from it. But notice, God doesn’t extend a message about evil money, but rather an evil heart. (I Tim 6:10) A man’s heart is what determines the distribution of his wealth and whether it will glorify him or God. Sure, it will be easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mark 10:25) But the context of these verses have more to do with how easily a rich person can start to put his faith in his wealth and its benefits, instead of relying on God who makes the wealth possible. It’s that slippery slope concept. This happens to people around the world. Still, the text isn’t meant to imply that all or even most wealthy people are greedy, self-centered elitists who don’t know or care about the problems facing the world. They have the same problems; just with different circumstances and often higher amounts of risk.

It must be nice to be rich. Smart people are so arrogant. Pretty people get by on their good looks. Stereotypes like this have had a tendency to glide flippantly through the ages of time. It’s difficult though, to find someone who will challenge the mean spirit behind them. Sure a good person would defend a young girl who is being teased about her homely shoes, but are we just as likely to stick up for a brainy student who is teased for doing his homework all semester? It’s a privilege to be intelligent. Unfortunately, not everyone honors privilege. In fact, people who are seen as privileged often face contempt simply because of their advantage - perceived or real. Why shouldn’t the student receive the same concern as the young girl?

Privilege – (n.): a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others; (n.): a special opportunity to do something that makes you proud; (n.): the advantage that wealthy and powerful people have over other people in a society. OR (n.): a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor: prerogative (Webster Online Dictionary -8/28/15)

What do you know? A privilege sounds a lot like a blessing. Prosperity, intellect, good looks – these are all attributes that God can bestow on anyone. Even so, He doesn’t’ give them to everyone. Possessing them can certainly provide some advantages which might seem unfair and even result in resentment. That said, it’s hurtful to be treated with resentment simply because you are privileged in some way. It’s upsetting when you are regarded as if you don’t have substance because you’re beautiful looking. The anguish felt when a single parent immediately dismisses your counsel because you’re happily married and you “couldn’t possibly understand what she’s going through” can be unbearable. This kind of wrongful speculation can, subtly and over time, cause you to feel like you don’t deserve the blessings you’ve been granted. You may begin to feel as if you aren’t relevant or that your problems seem trivial when compared to others with less advantage than you. Have you ever been challenged or made to feel like a snob because you embrace progress or desire success? That seems like twisted thinking when you consider the life God intends for those who follow His plan for their lives. “Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.” (Deut. 5:33)

With righteous motives, there is no reason to apologize for the favor, blessings and even privileges that befall you in this life. God is the architect of our lives which means He gets to decide who gets what, and when.

1. When someone other than you is blessed:

God’s Word lets us know that He reigns on the just and the unjust. (Matt 5:45) It becomes a little harder then, to resent favor in someone else’s life simply because you don’t believe they deserve it. Plus, you never know which side of that equation you may be on one day! Still, it can be difficult if you witness someone who doesn’t seem to care whether God knows them or not and they look like they’re prospering. Meanwhile you can barely catch a break and you’re doing all you can to be pleasing in His sight. This is a perfect opportunity for the devil to manipulate that little green speck in your eye and make it seem as though you’re missing out on something. It’s also a perfect opportunity for God to perfect the spiritual fruit that will later be required in your journey – it’s just not your turn today. Can you be good to someone who doesn’t seem to deserve it? How about when you believe you are deserving, and it feels like no one’s being good to you?