Privilege With Purpose

Deuteronomy 7:7-9

Verse Concepts

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Privileges#sthash.qv3E1QXe.dpuf

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Privileges#sthash.qv3E1QXe.dpuf

Deuteronomy 7:7-9

Verse Concepts

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Privileges#sthash.qv3E1QXe.dpuf

Deuteronomy 7:7-9

Verse Concepts

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Privileges#sthash.qv3E1QXe.dpuf

The Lord loved you- It was his free choice without any cause or motive on your part.  -Deuteronomy 7:8

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Privileges#sthash.qv3E1QXe.dpuf

"The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Privileges#sthash.qv3E1QXe.dpuf

This past weekend I was talking to the Tedster, my hubby.  We were talking about purpose and about how we squander and don't appreciate what we have.  I listened to what he was saying, how he felt he had wronged God, me , and the kids throughout his lifetime.  I listened and then it dawned on me that Tedster was starting to think like me....wowsies, God is good!  Let me share how.

While he was talking, I was nodding, and thought back to a great lesson that I learned from a four year old at church.  He was in my first Sunday School class, was super smart, a great helper, and knew the church like his own home....he was the pastor's kid.  One Sunday I was cleaning up and had heard him with his parents because he had done something less than pleasing. Church had started and I was done cleaning and was loading up my car.  I noticed that he was in his dad's office looking at a book and sitting quietly.  When I got back from loading my car he was still there and I asked him if he would like to go up to church with me since it had started.  He looked at me and said, "No, not this Sunday.  Church is a privilege not a right.  You are privileged to get to go worship God and serve him but I wasn't doing that and so I've gotta stay here".  Ohh, how I love that thought and have treasured it deep in my soul for years.  It's part of what keeps me going on really hard days & seasons in my life.

Why do I consider what a four year old said to be a treasure?  Well, because it caused me to think about my own faith and world.  I went to church, taught Sunday school, and was involved in mission work because the church provided me a sanctuary from my life. But what if I took it as a privilege? And, what if I stopped gripping, complaining, and crying over what my life was and thanked God for the privilege of all the twists and turns that he gave me.  There was a time after Emily was born that I actually cried, mourned for my "past life", and questioned God's choice in making me a mom.  Emily was a little over a year old before I saw that God gave me the privilege of being her mom.  The privilege of teaching my very own kid and showing her all the things that I loved : art, music, literature and more.  If you ask 20 year old Emily about those experiences she would say that she appreciates art, music, and literature because of her mom and how much her mom loved those things.  She would also tell you that she doesn't really get them or understand them like her mom but she does love math and science.  Then put into context the "privilege" principal.....Emily is privileged to have me as her mom to expose her to art, music, and literature and gain an appreciation for them even when her mind is more mathematical and scientific.  And, I'm privileged to be Emily's mom because God granted me the ability to be a mother, the privilege of learning to be selfless through motherhood, and the privilege of thinking beyond my own needs and wants. The ability for me to be a mom is not a right but a privilege that not every woman has....and how wrong I would be to ever take it for granted. 

In my conversation with Tedster I told him about my conversation with our pastor's son.  I told him how the world changed after talking with him for me almost 20 years ago.  I got the privilege to share with Ted that is how I think and when times are hard, things are bad, or when things are good I remember I am privileged.  I then went to list out a few of my privileges to him:

• I'm privileged to have taught kindergarten, at Headstart, and preschool because there are many that never will never see a classroom as a joyful place or love learning. Loving to teach and learn is a privilege not a right.
• I'm privileged to have a car that gets me places it's not a right.  Many go without a car.
• I'm privileged to have a hubby not a right. Yes, with that one I think I caught him off guard.  I went onto say that many don't have a hubby that loves them, works hard for their family, and tries time and time again....yeah, so having a hubby is a privilege not a right. 
• I'm privileged to love children's ministries and teach once a month.  There are places where you can't worship or teach Christianity without consequence or harm.  To love and teach in children's ministries is a privilege not a right.
• I'm privileged to worship the Lord in my community.  Many people travel miles or hide to worship God in fear for their lives.  My ability to worship near and without fear is not a right it is a privilege.
• I'm privileged to be a mom of two dynamic kids.  I'm privileged that they challenge me to be a better person, live for Christ, and love unconditionally.  Being a mom isn't a right it's a privilege.

We then went on to talk about how the world could change if people would take the "privilege" principle to heart. Could it help you find a purpose and be thankful for who you are? And allow you to see how God designed you to take on the world for him ?  I think that it could.  Of course, I've listened to the "privilege" principal for a long time in my heart and soul.  It's helped me get through lots of seasons of my life but the best "privelege" has been saved for the season I'm in right now.  I feel free from past bonds that held me back, made me question myself, and hurt me.  I'm privileged to say that each day I go forth is for God and him alone.  All my choices, decisions, and cares are through Him that walks behind me, beside me, and in the forefront....thank you Heavenly Father for the privelege of knowing your salvation and love for me.

Now, that you've heard my scoop on the privilege principle what do you think?  Do you think it could help you break some past bonds?  Usher you into a season of love, caring, and service to yourself, your family, and others.  I pray so. 

Peace be with you-  Sherry