March 13th, 2021: Privileges vs Sacrifices


Most of us would have to accept certain conditions when we get a job, belong to a group, or join the army. It is not about losing our freedom, being trapped, or being judged by others. It is about the choice that we have to accept both the privileges and the duty we have. If we live our lives by going after our benefits only, we have made one seriously wrong assumption about life.


It is even more damaging when people use the suffering and the unfortunate events in other people's lives to advance their agenda and selfish ambition. There is a lack of integrity and honesty when they pursue that path of life. There is no shame and nothing noble in that way of living. Some people might say that is the utmost form of self-serving.


Many years ago, I met a young woman who decided to take her faith in Jesus seriously. She came and asked me to baptize her. We discussed the consequences of her decision to be baptized. She was about to lose all of her privileges. Her family disowned her. She would not be able to continue with her university study. Her father flew from the US to have a chat with me. He stated very clearly to me what would be the consequences of her choice. In many ways, the future looked very strenuous and devastating to her.


She made the decision, and I baptized her. All of the possibilities we had discussed happened. She had to endure much of the negative impact of her choice. We had many conversations afterward, and not once she mentioned her parents and her family negatively. We always prayed for them at the end of our meetings. She worked hard and eventually made her way through university with incredible results. Her love for God and her love for her family stay intact despite all of that.


I have learned to respect this friend of mine deeply. I can still remember the day she asked me to give her away at her wedding. I have thought about her and the young couple who recently made the news with their interview with Oprah. The contrast is ever striking. There is a lack of substance, integrity, appreciation, and understanding that their life of privileges comes with serious responsibility and limited freedom. It is a calling, and it demands sacrifices. I would appreciate them a great deal more if they declined a Royal Wedding and then make their way through life as commoners. Something is fishy about the whole thing.


Luke 16: 10

"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much, and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."


Proverbs 3: 3-4

"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man."

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