In today’s America we are beginning to hear the phrase “white privilege” more often. “Privilege” is being defined as having an advantage or better chance of achieving the “American Dream”. It is defined as not having to deal with prejudiced decisions made by people in authority that negatively affect your ability to achieve the “American Dream”.
On social media, I see African-Americans screaming, “you got it easy because you have white privilege” and White Americans screaming “you have the same opportunities as me. Stop acting crazy and blaming me for your inadequacies”. What if I told you that both views are right!
Why is it that all of a sudden we are hearing phrases like “white privilege” and “microaggression”? I believe that the world is trying its best to find ways to describe the character of ungodliness. It is not wrong in its description and yet it is not complete. As we grow scholastically as a human race, we will find even more ways, more words, more phrases to describe that which is ungodly.
Now that we think we have described the issues, what are the privileged supposed to do? How are they supposed to feel? What are the under privileged supposed to do and how can they change their position?
The truth is, your starting position in life is totally out of your control! But your finish isn’t! For those that believe in Christ, whether one is privileged or not is moot. It is God that promotes and gives the increase. We have seen it with many in the Bible – like Joseph who was sold into slavery by family but ended up governor of a nation!
We as believers cannot afford to get caught up in the world’s philosophies because we do not live by these worldly rules. The principles and ways of the Kingdom do not make sense to the world so let’s stop trying to mix the two.
So, how should we respond? If you are one born with less privilege, the moment you become a believer and Jesus enters your heart, you receive the greatest privilege and blessing you could possibly have and that is the blessing of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords living and dwelling inside of you! The same King that splits seas, raises the dead, heals the sick, makes blind men see, turns water into wine, now resides in you and allows you to use His authority in this world! What human being can stand against this? What prejudiced scheme can stand against this? If God is for you, who can be against you? You are now as privileged as you can possibly be!
If you are one born with worldly privilege, just know it is not of your own doing. You can not be blamed, faulted, or take credit. But if the Most High does not reside in you, you have nothing. As a matter of fact, you are a blind, dead man walking! Your riches and fame will fade and in the end you will be last and least.
But if the King of King resides in you, you will understand that it is He that gives all things. It is He that promotes. Do not become puffed up but humble yourself and give God the glory and praise! Don’t be ashamed of what He has done. Testify and be a witness about the things of God and encourage your fellow kingdom brothers and sisters. Remind them of the Father who gives and is life!
As far as microaggressions are concerned, what is in your heart will come out. There aren’t enough sensitivity classes or training a person can take that will keep this from coming out if it is in your heart. Allow God to shed light on the dark places of your heart by not being defensive when He shows you your ignorance. Learn and grow and remember that regardless of what you have been told by others, seen on TV or social media, God has knitted and fearfully wonderfully made every believer! Your negative thoughts about them is a negative thought about the creativity of the Creator who also created you!
~Dionya Kelley
Christ Fellowship member
