Coping With Privilege

TO READ: Luke 9:49-50

John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.”

Luke 9:49

We are supposed to learn humility on the mountain! Jesus took his three special friends up the Mount of Transfiguration to teach them humility. They were supposed to see how great Jesus was and how small they were. Visions of God should do that to us, and not result in a sense of our own importance!

The nine disciples at the foot of the mountain could not help a family in trouble. James and John could not cope with privilege. It went to their heads. It wasn’t long before they were telling the master to forbid “outsiders” a ministry. When we begin to think that we are the only ones who have a corner on the truth, we are in trouble. Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:50).

Some of us have been blessed beyond measure. We come from Christian homes and have been taught the Bible from our youth. We have listened to God’s best on radio and TV. We have bookcases full of excellent Christian literature. We have peace in our country and may worship freely. Much has indeed been given to us and much will indeed be required!

God requires our toleration of those less privileged. We are to support the weak, encourage the ignorant, disciple the undisciplined, and discern gifts in others. We are not to forbid a ministry! We are to use our privilege to the advantage of others!