“The Privileged Life” may seem like a strange name to use for a blog focused on living a godly single life. When we think of “privilege” we think of someone that was born to a wealthy family, having status and prestige, someone that seemingly has everything going for them.
Yet in the Christian life, it isn’t about the benefits that we receive as a result of salvation, rather it is about our privilege to serve our Risen Savior! If we have been born again, we are adopted into God’s family and therefore we have a life of great privilege - privilege to live for Christ, to know Him personally, to tell others about Him, to endure suffering and even death, and to one day see Him face-to-face. This doesn’t make us arrogant, it humbles us that God in His rich mercy reached our sinful hearts, opened our eyes and transformed our lives…it is privilege!
While thinking through a name for a blog and upcoming online ministry, I’ve thought through various ideas for names. Nothing quite seemed to fit, until it came to me while attending this year’s Desiring God Conference here in Minneapolis, MN . One of the speakers was Helen Rosaveare, doctor and missionary to the Belgian Congo. I had never heard of Ms. Rosaveare, but my first impression of her was that she is a woman whole-heartedly commited to her Lord.
During a Q & A she made the following remarks to a question issued by the moderator.
Question:
I’ve met a number of women who struggle in their singleness and wonder if you could give any counsel on remaining faithful through the long journey, singleness, and how those two relate.
Helen:
“Those of you who are single and want me to say something else, you aren’t going to like what I’m going to say. It is privilege! God has just been so good to me, and ok, there have been one or two occasions when it would have been rather nice to have a husband. Not that I wanted a husband, I wanted a man about the house to mend a chair leg when it broke (audience laughter/applause).
But quite honestly, the Lord Jesus has been my all-sufficiency all through and it is a privilege, because as a single on the mission field I was able to do things that I certainly would not have been able to do had I been married and had a family and responsibilities to a home, I was free. I could go into any African home, I didn’t have to look first, is there a leprosy patient here which might take infection to my family? I could just go in. I didn’t have to look at my watch to see that I got home on time to make the kids evening meal. I was free and God blessed that so richly, He gave African sisters who have been closer to me than any blood sister ever was. I’ve had friendships with them on a level which I’m sure I wouldn’t have had the same way, had I been married. It’s been privilege!
Just keeping your eyes on Jesus. And I would just say, never allow anybody to suggest to you, or say to you, or even think about you that God gives you ‘second best’. God doesn’t know the phrase second best, He’s promised you His best! (applause)
The text from this quote, does not give the full effect of her answer. The words are wonderful, but when you hear the emphasis in her voice and the light of her countenance you have a more full understanding of her complete devotion to Christ. You can listen to the audio or watch the video here: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByConference/37/2414_Speaker_Panel_QandA/.
My hope and prayer is that this ministry will help each of us grow in our faith, love and hope in the greatest of masters - our Lord Jesus Christ.
To God Be the Glory!
