The Measure of a Man

This week Mike and I have the privilege of meeting with ROTC cadets from the Upper Midwest region at the regional Christmas Conference in Minneapolis, MN. It's been refreshing to meet with cadets from a different region, learn what is challenging and encouraging them, and find ways to encourage them to step out in faith and begin a movement to reach their ROTC peers. It has also been a week of great teaching from distinguished guests and diving deep into scripture.

One of the main speakers is a former Campus Crusade for Christ staff member who is currently an author and pastor in the Atlanta area, Crawford Loritts. He started the conference speaking on Ecclesiastes and how empty it is to find identity or joy in the things of the world. Solomon once had everything, but he bought into it and started to believe the gift was more important than the giver. As a result, all he had built up was emptied of meaning and value. During the second and third days Dr. Loritts tied together the need for prayer without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17) and sent the students off to the day of outreach after an examination of class and racism from the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

It was during his last talk that he made a comment that hit me like a lightening bolt. He connected all three of his talks through one statement: the measure of the greatness of a person is seen in how they use privileges rather than how they handle responsibility.

How do you handle privileges? How do you handle responsibility? Is it a duty? An obligation? For a long time I've believed that how I handled the gravity of the responsibilities before me would be a public demonstration of the depth of my character, integrity, and conviction, but it doesn't say anything about how I've treated people along the journey or how I've built up or encouraged anyone. It only reflects how I've valued myself.

As a military officer it is easy to develop a thin (or great) sense of entitlement to the privileges and honors accorded rank and superiority. After all, we're all taught "RHIP" to keep us marching to the left of any superior officers - Rank Has It's Privileges, and to remind us that privileges are automatic with promotion. As a college graduate it can be easy to believe that some work is beneath your abilities or qualifications. It can be all to easy to slide into a leisurely and comfortable lifestyle determined by entertainment and distraction. Yet, when we navigate our lives solely by enjoying privileges this sense of entitlement can do nothing but grow. And, if we are directed only by a sense of responsibility we would be driven with pride and arrogance, an awfully sandy foundation for such carefully crafted architectural efforts.

As 2010 looms large less than 36 hours away, I'm thinking about Dr. Loritts' comment about the measure of man. I have a desire to use my privileges well. And, yet I think the only satisfaction I'll really have is for the Lord to give me opportunities that will allow me to use that which he has given without anyone else recognizing it. This doesn't mean avoid everything that brings enjoyment or pleasure, but it is necessary to ensure aren't putting the gift ahead of the giver. The gift should be used to represent the giver well.