privilege: a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most; an advantage or source of pleasure granted to a person.

This morning’s meditative reading had me reflecting on what it means to be privileged. Long before the sun rose today, I was deep in contemplative thought, and surprised that I do not often think of myself as privileged. Namely, that it is my privilege to love Jesus. I can’t recall actually cataloging this honor as a right of mine, though I know this is truth for me to my very core:

It is a privilege to love Jesus. It is the best experience in life! Do we take the time to tell Him so? Do we express with words the beauty of our Savior?  If we show His beauty with our lives, others will say, no wonder you love him! (Our Daily Bread, Keila Ochoa)

Imagine my surprise then when I proceeded to my next reading for the day (Morning and Evening ~ Charles Spurgeon) which began: “What a state of privilege!” This reading  thereafter expounded on the wonder-filled benefits bestowed to all who believe in Jesus. It is too wonderful for me to think that we, as created beings, have become, through our Creator, objects of Divine delight!

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. (THE MESSAGE) Ephesians 1:4-6

So often when I hear the word ‘privilege’ I associate it with negative connotations. Perhaps you do too. But for today at least, I am grateful that my eyes have been opened anew to the great honor and privilege I have been given by the Divine One who lives in me!

How Beautiful by Twila Paris