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Writings of David Chadwell 1 Peter 2:6, For this is
contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner
stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
When I think back to 1969 to my first trip out of the United States, it gives me
“goose bumps” of embarrassment. To now realize how arrogant and naive I was then
is incredible now! I actually thought everyone in the entire world was exactly
alike in the ways they thought and reasoned, but they just spoke different
languages. (We are not even alike in this country—just listen to our political
wrangling, look at our divided congregations, and consider our divorce rate!)
To presume to tell other people how they should think and feel is arrogance
supreme! To believe your ways of reasoning is superior to other people’s ways of
reasoning is horribly naïve! Consequently, people look at us (not listen to
us!), dismiss us with a wave of the hand or shake of the head, and mutter to
their friends, “They are Americans.” If you wish to observe this phenomena, look
at every thing we do—from wage war, to seek treaties, to conduct international
business!
I distinctly remember re-entering American customs in New York after living with
my family for two years in West Africa. A huge American flag hung from the
ceiling just past customs. Tears filled my eyes just to think of what was ahead.
My first visit to a grocery store was an emotional experience. I had not seen
that much food in two years—and it was so affordable! My first worship upon
return was a jolt! A carpeted, air-conditioned room with padded pews after two
years of split bamboo seats and dirt floors “in the bush!” Never had I
appreciated life in this country as then! Never had I been filled with such a
sense of privilege!
When we had guests from the population area in which we lived in West Africa, I
was deeply concerned. How would they react when they saw the prosperity of
American congregations? (At maximum strength, we had six families working
together.) The comment of my brothers: “You people left this to come live with
us?”
Hopefully, something happened in your life to make you aware of your privileges.
Hopefully, something happened to make you realize that you enjoy what many never
dream about (they have never seen it to dream of it!).
Do you realize the privilege of knowing Jesus Christ? Is that sense of privilege
bigger than money? Bigger than possessions? Bigger than lifestyle? Bigger than
social level? Bigger than health? Bigger than death? No matter how you live or
when you die, do you count it an enormous privilege to know Jesus Christ?
Is it obvious you consider it the privilege of privileges? Is that privilege
reflected in who you are and how you live? Is it reflected in how you treat
other people—including your family whom you live with and your fellow workers
with whom you labor?
We will never correctly reflect our God and our Savior unless we see each of
them through eyes that see privilege! A sense of privilege must silence our
complaints!
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