Corona Devo 377

Most people want privileges but not the responsibility that comes with them.

We want what others have, but we (most likely) don't know the full story of how they have come to earn said position or materials.   

The Israelites were God's "chosen people" but (like us) they often missed the mark on connecting the dots between privilege and responsibility.  They wanted the fame and popularity but they had no idea what responsibilities (and pressure) God had placed on those that were in the leadership positions.  

In the Book of Numbers, God caused Aaron's staff to "bud" with blossoms and ripe almonds, choosing Aaron (Moses' brother) to "represent the priesthood".  As the head priest, Aaron "appeared" to be the big man on campus (next to Moses), and there were privileges: 

(5)  “You yourselves must perform the sacred duties inside the sanctuary and at the altar. If you follow these instructions, the Lord’s anger will never again blaze against the people of Israel.  

(6) I myself have chosen your fellow Levites...to be your special assistants. They are a gift to you, dedicated to the Lord for service in the Tabernacle. 

(7) ...I am giving you the priesthood as your special privilege of service.   

(11) “All the sacred offerings and special offerings presented to me when the Israelites lift them up before the altar also belong to you. I have given them to you and to your sons and daughters as your permanent share.  ~Numbers 18:5-7, 11

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But with privilege (and influence) always comes responsibility, and God made this clear to Aaron:    

(1) Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You, your sons, and your relatives from the tribe of Levi will be held responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary. But you and your sons alone will be held responsible for violations connected with the priesthood.

3 But as the Levites go about all their assigned duties at the Tabernacle, they must be careful not to go near any of the sacred objects or the altar. If they do, both you and they will die. 

7 But you and your sons, the priests, must personally handle all the priestly rituals associated with the altar...Any unauthorized person who comes too near the sanctuary will be put to death.”

(32) But be careful not to treat the holy gifts of the people of Israel as though they were common. If you do, you will die.”  ~Numbers 18:1, 3, 7, 32

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While the specific "privileges" and "responsibilities" assigned to Aaron do not directly correlate with our lives today, he was representing the "priesthood of God", and we are too, Friend.  (But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ~1 Peter 2:9)

This carries the daily privilege and responsibility of living God's word.

When people/friends/coworkers/neighbors think of church/think of a Christian/think of kindness, service, or love: are they thinking of us?  Are we representing the priesthood of God?

The privilege of friendship/status/or followers comes with the responsibility of serving God through them.  

At a birthday party the other day, I watched as our daughter led a gaggle of girls around, and an onlooker might think she was "privileged" to be their leader.  And while that is true, I know that they gather because she invests in them, listens to them, asks questions and cares about their answers.  It is a privilege to be friends, but a responsibility too.  The party came on the heels of a 2-hour soccer practice for her, and because the birthday girl had a broken foot, our daughter piggy-backed her around the park for most of the 2-hour party.  With privilege comes responsibility, but God knows we can stand up under it, or he would not call us to it.   

We have three school-aged kids, and I continue to be amazed at the privilege and responsibility of teachers and staff that surround them at school and after-school activities.  These educators have the responsibility of teaching and yet they have taken it to the next level and turned that responsibility into a privilege for the students.  

The Israelites saw the public role that Aaron had in leading the priesthood, but they did not feel the responsibility and pressure of living that responsibility.  

The gossiping teammates (or their parents) may envy the skill or playing time that the team captain displays on the field but they do not see the responsibility of this privilege lived-out in after-hours backyard training.  

The coworkers gathered around the water cooler whisper about the bosses approval for the "golden child", but they do not see the number crunching/late nights/client-relationship-building that was put in to earn that "title".  With privilege comes responsibility.

My mother-in-law has lifetime friends that consistently lament to her about how "lucky" she is (and how cranky they are) that her children and grandchildren get along, rally around her and appear to live in love.  What they don't know (appreciate) is that this woman lays down her life for her family.  She cooks huge (delicious!) meals, hosts endless get-togethers and out-of-town family members, and says nary a word to correct her children's ways of life.  The result is unity, family togetherness and a sense of love and belonging for everyone.  With privilege comes responsibility. 

Most people want privileges but not the responsibility that comes with them. 

When we feel like it's not worth the effort, or "what's the point?" in doing our best to do our best for God...keep doing your best.  

Privileges come from serving in God's royal priesthood and these privileges are birthed out of responsibility. 

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com