Privilege is such a curious word and idea.
Last week I wrote, “This life I live is not the result of my white privilege. The life I live is the result of the privilege that comes from grace. I will not accept any other explanation.”
I stand by those words.
Such a statement does not deny the advantages I experience in daily life. I live privileges others do not, and I am denied some privileges others possess. The statement identifies the source for what I receive and what I am denied.
Luke records Paul’s words to the gathered at Mars Hill,
"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist (Acts 17:24-28)."
He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things
and
(He has) determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.
What interpretation can we conclude other than every human being everywhere lives the life they live because of privilege that comes from grace?
Every human being everywhere must affirm privilege of one form or another. Read again Paul’s words. God gives to all people all things, and God determines the time and locale of our existence. Paul’s preaching is Job’s testimony, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10).
I cannot deny Bible narratives recording advantages some possess and others do not. I cannot deny advantages I have that others do not have. But that’s the point, no human being anywhere can deny he is privileged because every human being everywhere is privileged because he lives under grace (Lamentations 3:22).
Lest someone think erroneously, of course we oppose with zeal any who use God’s gifts to them to foster selfish ambitions (Romans 6:1-2). If we have advantages others do not, we do not consume our advantages on our own selfish lusts (James 4:3). We give out of our abundance and out of our poverty (Matthew 10:42; 2 Corinthians 8:2).
I am asserting the cause, origin, reason for anything good about my life is God’s sovereignty displayed in his grace. To attribute whatever is good in my life to my melatonin level, a design feature in every image bearer, takes me to a place where God’s character is assaulted. I can’t go there.
What my white skin grants, I say with Job, “The Lord gives.”
What my white skin obstructs, I say with Job, “The Lord takes away.”
I conclude what Job and Paul declare, “Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21).”
As always I welcome your feedback and any suggestions you might have for an upcoming Lunchtime Musing.
Mike VerWay
Pastor for Preaching & Vision