Elder’s Corner: “Are You Privileged?”

A couple of weeks ago when the wind storms hit the area, I had my scanner on to keep track of the weather. The following came across from the public utility dispatcher “There is a tree down on Sunset Ave.”  Then the following comment “it is in the city councilman's yard.”  The implication was clear “you better get to it right away.”  Maybe you have heard the quote “Rank has its privilege.” 

Maybe you feel like you're not important to anyone—not even God. But consider the following from Psalms 139:13-14 NASB “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . .” God has been with you since the beginning (and even if you have left Him for a time—He has never left you). “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” He tells us in Hebrews 13:5. 

Now let's get back to the thought that on earth some are treated differently than others.  It's true. Some are treated better because of the money they possess, some better because of their educational degree, some because of the color of their skin, some because of who they’re related to. It isn't that way with God and I hope you never feel that He plays favorites. He is for Everyone Equally! Consider Romans 1:16 TEV “For I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe. . .” Here's how God describes us in 1 Peter 2:9 NASB “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you (we) may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Why does God see us this way, all equal and yet each important? Because He knows the price that was paid was the same price for everyone—the blood of his precious son. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NASB).     

—Alan