Use Your Privilege
by Annie Yorty
As a parent, I gave special privileges to my children when they proved themselves ready to use them responsibly. As a child of God, you have privilege. He wants you to enjoy and use your privilege for His glory.
An Example of Privilege
“Ma’am, I can offer you a complimentary upgrade to first class.” The airline representative paused to wait for the news to sink in.
I finally found my voice. “Well . . . that would be wonderful. Thank you!”
Minutes later, I enjoyed boarding the plane before all the unwashed masses who would later stream past me. I sprawled out in my luxury seat. An attendant served water served in a real glass. My toes wriggled in the cushy slippers I found on my seat. I leaned my cheek against a plush pillow.
Now this is the way to travel.
Did I feel guilty that two flight attendants served twelve people in first class while four served a couple hundred in the unprivileged classes? That I never had to wait in line for a grimy bathroom?
Maybe, just a bit.
Is Privilege Bad?
A privilege is an inherent advantage or favor a person enjoys. We usually think of privilege as something that is unearned–and probably undeserved. I certainly didn’t earn or deserve the luxuries of first class on the flight that spoiled me for all other airline travel. I hadn’t paid the price.
But was the privilege wonderful? Absolutely! I enjoyed every minute.
God wants us to fully enjoy and use our privilege—His gift—to attract others to Him. Share on XChristian Privilege
In his letter to the Romans, Apostle Paul begins his instruction by telling us he had God-given privilege (Romans 12:3). Likewise, every follower of Jesus enjoys privilege.
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT)
Our status as God’s children confers many privileges to us. Our good and ever-present Father provides for every need. He empowers us to live with significance and eternal purpose. We are secure under His shield of protection in this dangerous world. Absent the fear of condemnation, we confidently rely on His promise of eternal life spent with Him in heaven.
Use Your Privilege Responsibly
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. (Romans 12:3 NLT)
Paul wrote this warning to combat our human inclination to puff ourselves up with pride. We think we have somehow earned or created the privilege God bestows on us. Paul continued this section of Scripture with a message about our responsibilities as privileged children of God.
Let’s consider seven ways Paul says we should use our privilege.
1. Use your God-given gifts and abilities to benefit others rather than gratify yourself (Romans 12:6-8).
2. Do what is right and good (Romans 12:9).
3. Love and honor other people (Romans 12:10).
4. Develop a strong work ethic (Romans 12:11).
5. Through constant prayer, be joy-filled and patient in times of trouble (Romans 12:12).
6. Practice generosity and hospitality to God’s people (Romans 12:13).
7. Trust God to right injustices against you (Romans 12:14-19).
God’s Gift
Just as I paid nothing for my first-class pampering, I remind myself I’ve done nothing to earn or deserve the privilege of being called a child of God.
Friends, our Lord paid dearly to redeem us from the slavery of sin and adopt us into His family. We enjoy all the privileges associated with being His children. Don’t we owe Him everything?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. (Romans 12:1 NLT)
God wants us to fully enjoy and use our privilege—His gift—to attract others to Him.
Join the conversation:
How do you use your privilege to glorify your Father God?
I welcome your comments.
Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty
Best Friends Forever
22 Comments
Barbara Latta
Our God is so amazing to give us privileges we didn’t earn. His grace is beyond our human comprehension. I pray to never take these gifts for granted.
Annie Yorty
I can’t comprehend, but I’m oh, so grateful. Thanks for visiting, Barbara.
jude Brunelli
Ahh, the good gifts we get from our Father are beautiful reminders!
Annie Yorty
So true, Judy. I’m so glad supply for us is boundless. I need lots of reminders.
Heidi Vertrees
Annie, this is a Fabulous post! I love the comparison of flying first class, when we don’t deserve it. Yes, we have so many privileges as children of God and yes, we need to devote our energies to loving God and loving others.
Thank you for this wonderful post!
Annie Yorty
Pursuing His mission fills our days with eternal significance. Thanks for your encouragement, Heidi!
Katherine Pasour
Sometimes I think we hide behind the privileges our Father has gifted to us. We say, “I’m just me, nobody special, I don’t have gifts to offer others.” But we’re so wrong! God has bestowed so much love and numerous blessings upon us. It’s only right for us to give back to His people by sharing of ourselves with them in the ways you’ve outlined for us. Wonderful message, Annie. Thank you!
Annie Yorty
What a waste for us to hide the light of our privileges from our Father God. Thank you for adding this important point to our conversation, Katherine.
Sarah Schwerin
What a great reminder. He’s given us so much, why wouldn’t we want to share it?
Annie Yorty
Exactly, Sarah! When we love people with God’s love, we don’t want them to miss out. Thanks for visiting!
Leigh DeLozier
What a great parallel, Annie — thanks for the fresh view of what our privilege through God truly means.
Annie Yorty
Leigh, thank you for your visit. Blessings to you!
Yvonne Morgan
I loved your list of 7 ways we can use our godly privilege to serve others. So many need to see more Christians follow these examples. Thank you for reminding me Annie.
Annie Yorty
I’m so glad you were encouraged today, Yvonne.
Maggie Wallem Rowe
Excellent post, Annie. We have so many privileges in Christ, and we need to use them wisely. (On a personal note, my husband and I were upgraded to first class just once on a sabbatical trip to Turkey, and it was the most amazing flight of our lives. We were sorry when the plane landed!)
Annie Yorty
If there were a flight to get upgraded, that long trip to Turkey would be the one. What a blessing that you both got upgraded! Thanks for your encouragement, Maggie.
Joanna Eccles
Thanks for reminding me to use my status as a child of God to share with others the good news of Christ so they can be adopted into the family as well.
Annie Yorty
The more who get the privileges, the better, right? Thanks for visiting, Joanna!
Debbie Wilson
Annie, I enjoyed how you used this word to help us appreciate the privilege of Knowing Christ as Lord and the responsibilities that go with that privilege.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Debbie. I think the responsibilities are a blessing too. Thanks for visiting!
J.D. Wininger
I have heard the word “privilege” mis-used and mis-represented so much of late, this was such a welcome respite my friend. Your words reminded me that we are indeed privileged to be adopted heirs with Christ. Nothing that we did to earn it, but with privilege comes great responsibility. I thought about your first-class flight experience and remembered back when I was a member of the “Million Miles Club”, upgrades were a frequent occurrence. I also remember on a couple of occasions when I gave up my first-class accommodations for others whom I felt led to change places with. One a very pregnant young woman. Another time, a handicapped young man. Service members, some with that stare that we develop during a challenging deployment, certainly earned those accomodations. Yes, privilege comes with a responsibility to use it in a way that honors God, not serves ourselves. What a great post ma’am.
Annie Yorty
I agree with you, J.D., about the misuse of the word. Especially in the case of unearned privilege, it is what it is. We haven’t worked for it, nor do we necessarily deserve it. But we shouldn’t downgrade or discard our privilege because of this. Our goal should always be to use our privilege responsibly to better our society. Sounds like you’ve enjoyed sharing your blessings with others. Awesome!