Example #1: Saul of Tarsus / the apostle Paul. Did he grow up privileged? or DISadvantaged? As a young man, everybody would have said he had it made… the privileged of the privileged. Born in the right family, the right stock, the right tribe. Grew up under all the right traditions. Got the best education. His teachers were the best of the best. He had the support of everyone in positions of influence and power. Money. Status. Bright future. Everything going his way.
But THEN… he met Jesus! At that moment, EVERYTHING CHANGED! All that privilege? DUNG! All those advantages? Just CRAP!
From that day on, Paul never looked back! His bridges were burned! There was nothing behind him that he valued. Those that had all those so-called advantages… he now pitied for their bondage.
What did he come to see as the real advantage? KNOWING CHRIST! And the power of His resurrection!
What was of real value? The fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. Being made conformable unto His death.
Jesus said that it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (See Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; & Luke 18:25) So who’s at a REAL disadvantage?
When earthly wealth and comfort and power are lifted up as the conditions of advantage, that everyone should seek, and that those who are denied those things are considered to be cheated, it turns the gospel that Paul understood and preached, upside down. It generates covetousness, where there should be pity and compassion. That’s why Colossians 3:5 says covetousness is idolatry. Covetousness elevates wealth, or power, or advantageous circumstances, over God. Covetousness focuses on what you don’t have, or didn’t get, instead of what God has freely given you.
James 2:5 says that God has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith. Despise the poor? Better not! God has a special care for them, and so should we.
Oh, there are godly advantages, alright. Like the Jews had an advantage, because “unto them were committed the oracles of God.” [Romans 3:2]
How about a praying mother, or grandmother? How about a dad who prioritized the Word of God? Privileged!
Born poor, and knowing firsthand, the meaning of sacrifice? What an advantage to being able to relate to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!
I had those true ‘advantages’. Yes, there was a time in my life, when I didn’t understand that, or appreciate it… and had it all turned around… valuing the riches of the world. But THEN… I MET JESUS!
Now I know, that I was born RICH, and extremely privileged! And better yet… I was RE-born wealthy, favored, and privileged beyond imagination! I am now a child of the almighty GOD! Educated by the Holy Ghost Himself! I am the apple of God’s eye! HALLELUJAH!!!
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