Day 259- Pitfalls of Privilege

Daily Reading

Romans 2

🎥 Video  

Join me on my morning walk as we rise and shine together by walking through the Bible daily and learn a practical applicable coaching nugget from the ultimate life coach - our creator (whatever that means to you). No judgement zone here, all are welcome, we are all on a spiritual journey because we are after all spiritual beings having a human experience.

 

📝 Reflection 

Romans 2: 13-24

 “For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.”

“You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.””

 

Paul is not holding back in this chapter. He is pointing out the pitfalls of privilege that many of the Jews have fallen into. They have become entitled, arrogant and complacent. They have fallen asleep at the proverbial wheel. I started to talk about this yesterday a bit in my own journey. I found myself parenting from a position of ‘do as I say and not as I do’. It is an easy trap to fall into as a leader. You know what to do, but you find excuses and reasons why it doesn’t apply to you. As an authority figure it is tempting to see yourself above the law.

Personally I have been using a subtle shift in my thinking and self talk as I am stretching myself and trying to build a new identity. A red flag for me when I am falling into the pitfalls of privilege is that I start thinking about my day all all the things as ‘got to’s’. When I start feeling the ‘got to’s’ and if I can catch myself, which I don’t always, but I am practicing, is to switch to ‘I get to’. Subtle but powerful difference. It reminds me of how fortunate I am and gets me out of overwhelm and complacency and into gratitude. 

Authority, working hard to become an expert, and being a leader can lure some of us into the temptation to think that we have earned the privilege of being on a pedestal and playing by a different set of rules. We need to be mindful and intentional to put some internal checks and balances in place to help us remain in place of humble, gracious privilege. After all the scripture points out that God’s law is written on our hearts, we know this because we have our own thoughts and conscience that let us know if we are doing right or wrong. Our egos will try to defend, justify and rationally lie. Which will you listen to; your conscience and your heart or your ego? 

✍🏼Daily Journal Prompt 

Do you see yourself in some of these pitfalls? How can you be more intentional in your various roles of leadership and authority?  

Maybe you have not seen yourself as a leader and you think this doesn't apply. We are all leaders, we lead ourselves and we lead others in some capacity. It is not always a matter of an official title or role.

📖Tomorrows Reading

 Romans 3-4

Coaching Opportunity

There are still a few spots left for the October 2022 Inaugural OWN IT! For Good! group & 1:1 coaching opportunity. Let's make 2023 the year of YOU by spending the last quarter of 2022 laying a solid foundational mind set! The world needs what only you have to offer! Give yourself the best gift ever, the best version of you is ready to rise & shine!

Book your free📞Wake Up Call today to learn if this is what you have been waiting for!  

If you have stuck with me this far, then you are not reading this by accident, I believe God has a plan for you and is calling you forward!😉🤩

 

CONNECT WITH ME

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felecia.b.holmes (personal)

Rise & Shine Together Private Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1093183278239989

You Tube: Rise & Shine Playlist