I’m not jealous of successful people, and neither should you be. A Christian should rejoice in the success of others. When one is successful in the right way it happens by hard work and the blessings of God.
Success comes at a price (Ecc. 2:24). Those who will be successful at any earthly endeavor will invest much of their time. A doctor spends long days in study and preparation for the profession, a business man/woman spends many lonely hours in work and preparation for their success. Hard work is an understood requirement in investment for future success. Those who succeed are often at work while everyone else is sleeping. Sacrifice is required.
When one reaches a level of success, then privileges often begin to be realized. We’re in a world of celebrity. The media saturates us with celebrities in fields of art, entertainment, and athletics. Those who achieve such a level of recognition usually have devoted much of their life to getting there. Social status comes to those who achieve. It has always been that way. Men, women, boys and girls want to be around successful people. From this comes privilege. God recognizes this and gives warning about showing undue preference to those who have achieved wealth and fame (James 2:3). Why such instruction? Because our creator knows His created, and just how silly we can be—foolish over those who are successful.
The Christian enjoys privilege (I John 3:1). Have you ever considered it? Why should a Christian be considered privileged? We’re children of the King, favored by the King of kings and Lord of lords. Have you thought about it lately? Many in the world have never availed themselves of privilege by obeying the voice of the Lord. The Christian is privileged above all others in that he/she has direct contact with the King in prayer and in worship. Can you conceptualize it, being able to talk directly to the ruler of the universe? If it is privilege you seek, then that’s privilege! Their can be no more awesome thought than knowing the God of Heaven knows us and hears our plea. No earthly privilege will ever rise to that level.
Our privilege came at a great price. The greatest gift of highest price came from God (John 3:16). The best of heaven came to earth to atone for our sins with the blood of the old rugged cross. By and through His atoning blood sacrifice, we through obedience may have our sins forgiven and be known as God’s children—the privileged family of God. It’s in the cross of Christ we may boast (Gal. 6:14). The privilege of Christians came at the greatest price ever paid.
The privileges Christians enjoy are far too numerous to mention and know. We have access to the Father, fellowship with Heaven, and fellowship with the people best in this world, blessings to help along life’s way, and a custom mansion in Heaven (John 14:1-4) when this life is over. Don’t be jealous of privilege, rejoice in it. Jesus paid a great price for it, and desires all to have it.
-David Hill, President of Tennessee Bible College
