“What about me?” This one question will keep you from serving God and cause us to act like a jerk.
It is human nature to compare ourselves to others. “I deserve it more than she does.” “I’ve worked harder than he has.” This also lets us off the hook. “I don’t need to help them. They should help themselves.” You know the saying, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” This is a silly statement and it is not in the Bible. It is a rationalization that justifies me saying “No” to God. “No, I don’t need to give to him or her. If they only learned to fish; they could help themselves.”
I love this idea from John Pavlovitz, If God Is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk. God is love and we are children of that love. Our feelings of privilege can get in the way of doing God’s work. We are no more entitled than anyone else. If we feel we are better than others, we are just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. We will walk on the other side of the road when we see someone in need. Instead, we have a responsibility to hear Jesus’ voice calling us to be the Good Samaritan.
The truth is that we are our brother’s [and sister’s] keepers. Don’t be a jerk or a turkey. We all have needs. God understands this. Our cup will overflow with blessings as we serve others.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Privilege?