DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: 1 Peter 4:16 – However, if you suffer as Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

What do you consider as a privilege in this life? Do you think that having opportunities in life is a privilege? Do you consider your position in society as a privilege? Do you hold tight to your family name and think that’s a privilege to have? Well what do you think about a person who just has a normal life? Are they privileged? Or the person who has no frills about them, nothing special to notice, no great background or heritage, matter of fact – you don’t even like or consider them. What would you consider as a privilege for them? How about the person that society ridicules; a homeless person? The kid with the holey shoes? The person who doesn’t have money to buy the new car? We look down on people because of our perception of what is shameful or underprivileged but we aren’t the authority to gauge who or what is highly favored over another thing.

So what about us as Christians? Is there a privilege in being a follower Jesus? Absolutely! More important than all of the things we’ve just identified is the circumstance of living the Christian life. Whether it is in great happiness or suffering, the privilege of bearing the name of Christ is the only valid reason to be concerned about in this life. We put too much emphasis on the things of this world and making them seem important or of value. We suffer or gain great prestige because of the things in the world that people have told us are what make us special or not. Unfortunately, we are never ashamed in whatever state it is that we’re in; we actually take pride in our standings. Why not with God and him being active in our lives?

With God, we suffer as Christians but it’s a privilege in his sight! Not everyone can call themselves a true child of God and more importantly, it’s nothing to be ashamed of! No matter where we are in our lives, it could be self-inflicted or you could be a victim of circumstance, either way, its still reason enough to be grateful for being attached to something greater than this world.

When we have Christ we have a lot to be happy about. That happiness should have a responsive effect and it should be something we share with all. There is something way more important than the things of this world to see as a privilege. It is a relationship with Christ.

Today, we want to get right to the meat of things. We can’t look at our circumstances in this life as the end all, be all of what we should be proud about. All of these things will eventually pass away, however if we get behind that which is worthy of being considered a privilege, we shouldn’t be ashamed to embrace every aspect of that. Our relationship with God is a privilege and something to hang our hats on. What is more important than that? Be compelled to think outside of the box of what a true honor is and what an earthly esteem is. God did. Let us follow his example and be empowered by our Christian name that we bear. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!