Every nation has its privileged class, often seen as royalty, political figures, or the wealthy, regardless of their character. With privilege comes power, as to be privileged means to be favored, granted benefits, or given special advantages and immunity denied to others. Privilege is not limited to nations; nearly every village and hamlet has those whose names carry its power. It is generally viewed as the possession of wealth or influence, where the privileged are movers, shakers, and trendsetters whom others imitate or seek to please. Sometimes privilege is inherited, residing in families of longtime wealth and status, whose influence is significant. Often, the privileged are seen as stodgy, protecting their position to further their interests, though privilege can be more widespread than commonly thought. The privilege of sight and hearing, possessed by the overwhelming majority, is a fundamental advantage, while some are denied these abilities. The privileged, or the haves, are obligated to assist the have-nots, a principle with roots in caring for those less endowed. God's laws require care for widows, orphans, the poor, and foreigners, emphasizing that privilege brings responsibility. The tithing and offering system reflects this, as God owns the earth and provides for us, the less advantaged, obligating us to return a portion to Him. Because He has privileged us with knowledge of Him, His purpose, and redemption, we are required to give offerings as well. The more we are given, the greater our obligation becomes; to whom much is given, much is required. God's blessings often increase responsibility, granting the privilege to serve and glorify Him in greater capacity. Within institutions like the church, family, or business, those privileged to be part of the body have a responsibility to care for all members, ensuring no schism and sharing in both suffering and honor. Leadership must care for those under them, not viewing them as burdens. Our calling is a privilege, a blessing that enables us to glorify God, carrying responsibilities we may not have been aware of before. Fulfilling these responsibilities glorifies Him. We should be thankful for privileges like physical and spiritual sight and hearing, recognizing the responsibility they bear. Giving, whether in offerings or knowledge, is itself a privilege tied to the blessings we receive. Israel's greatest privilege was being chosen by God, known uniquely among all families of the earth, a distinction no other nation shared. This privilege, marked by God's covenant and direct revelation, brought with it accountability for their iniquities. Similarly, we stand in a privileged position, blessed to see and hear God's Word with understanding, a privilege extended through the superior terms of the New Covenant. Awareness of this privilege should fill us with wonder, awe, and overflowing thankfulness. Yet, failure to uphold the responsibilities of privilege can lead to severe consequences, as seen with Israel. We must choose whether to view privilege as a grudging duty or a blessing to be thankfully pursued, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver, valuing thoughtful and grateful consideration of His blessings over the amount given.

Privilege stands at the center of what it means to be built into God's Church, and this privilege unfolds through the layers of imagery the Apostle Paul employs in Ephesians 2. Paul presents believers first as fellow citizens, then as members of God's household, and finally as living stones within God's temple—each image representing an advance in both intimacy and privilege. The citizen may appeal to a ruler, but a child enjoys the greater privilege of direct access to a father. Yet even this is surpassed by the temple image, where God does not merely grant access but takes up permanent residence within believers through the Spirit. This progression reveals that the highest privilege is not proximity to God but His indwelling presence, fulfilling Christ's promise that He would not leave His disciples as orphans but would come and dwell within them. This privilege begins with the staggering revelation that the almighty Creator, holder of life and death over all eternity, reveals Himself as Father. God's government—the rule over the entire universe—is structured as a family, and He has bestowed upon human beings the matchless privilege of becoming His literal sons, sharing in His nature and resources. Being built into this temple is described as a vital, living process rather than a mechanical one. God is pictured as an eternal Architect who has been quarrying and placing stones for generations, sometimes visibly, sometimes imperceptibly, until His building is complete. This growth is spiritual, not statistical; numerical increase in religious organizations, ecumenical mergers, or interfaith coalitions bears no relation to the genuine growth Paul describes, which depends on purity of doctrine and purity of life rather than numbers. The privilege of belonging to this temple carries responsibility. Every stone must correspond rightly to the foundation of the apostles and prophets, must be vitally joined to Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone, and must be fitted harmoniously to other stones. Paul's coined term for "being fitted together" conveys deliberate choice, individuality of gifts, and careful shaping—God selects each member, values their uniqueness, and chisels away unsuitable characteristics through discipline, trial, and even chastening, so that each may properly fit into His holy dwelling. Ultimately, the temple's defining characteristic is holiness, not size or influence. This holy, Spirit-indwelt Church, united in Christ, becomes the place where God's presence and honor dwell, just as His glory once filled the sanctuary of Israel's temple. To be part of this building—chosen, shaped, and joined to the cornerstone—constitutes the highest privilege ever granted to human beings, surpassing citizenship, family, and even direct access to God, because it means becoming the very dwelling place of the Father and the Son through the Spirit.

The thanksgiving offering was placed in the light of a privilege rather than a duty, an honor extended to those who give offerings of their increase and blessings from a willing heart. This voluntary character distinguished it from tithes, which remain obligatory, and aligned it with the broader principle that all such gifts must arise from free will if they are to embody genuine praise. The same perspective frames the offering as an expression of inner attitude rather than outward conformity, allowing the giver to celebrate God's grace and, by that act of thanks, to seek its continuation. When this privilege is exercised with pure motives, the sacrifice becomes a sweet aroma acceptable to God, unblemished by reluctance or unworthy sources. In this way the offering joins devotion at its foundation with friendship and reconciliation, forming a layered act that reflects the believer's union with Christ. The same elements govern present-day giving on the holy days: offerings must be given freely, faithfully, and thankfully so that the privilege of participating in God's plan remains untainted and the heart stays aligned with His will to receive thanks in every circumstance.