Wow, What a Privilege

John F. Kennedy shocked the world when he said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” These words represented a whole different perspective on what it means to be a citizen of this great Country. The President was reminding us that the word “privilege” is not an excuse to do nothing, but a responsibility to do something. Being physically born in this Country is a privilege and should not be taken for granted. The same thing could be said about those who are spiritually reborn (through baptism) as citizens of God’s Kingdom; it’s a privilege not to be taken for granted. How many times did people take advantage of what Jesus had to offer, but as soon as He invited them to become disciples of this new Kingdom, they ran away. Unfortunately, the same attitude exists today. You are not going to fill the Allstate Arena with these words on the marquee along the Jane Adams Tollway: “Ask not what God can do for you, but what you can do for God.” But, I guarantee you will fill it with the names of high profiled speakers talking about being ” blessed” by God. Nobody wants to talk about the burden of responsibility that goes along with the many blessings received from a loving and gracious God. The Apostle Paul in all his letters is constantly reminding us of the “responsibilities” that go along with the “blessings” received. As far as he is concerned they are the two sides of the same coin. Are not the words “In God we Trust” printed on every coin of this great Country of ours. Last time I investigated the word trust, it had just as much to do with “giving” as well as “receiving”. We live in a Country where we have the freedom to live out both our physical and spiritual citizenships without fear and intimidation. Wow, what a privilege not to be taken for granted!