Entitlement

I dislike the contemporary culture that breeds a sense of entitlement UNLESS I am the one receiving the entitlement. Actually, I get frustrated when I don't get what I want as if I am entitled to certain things or situations. When I get what I want, I am smug; when I don't, I am angry. The attitude of entitlement does not mesh with my trust in Jesus. Entitlement ignores God's provision in my life and smothers any sense of gratitude – a dangerous place indeed.

When I understand what God has done and given me, my sense of entitlement is replaced by gratitude opening up the doors for peace and contentment. Kent Hughes says it like this, "When the buckets we carry are full of Christ, our lives are bathed with the peace of God in thanksgiving." (Hughes, R. K.: Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ. Preaching the Word. Westchester, Ill.: Crossway Books)

The Apostle Paul tells me to replace my sense of entitlement with complete dependence on and gratitude to God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV) 

Join me this week in replacing an attitude of entitlement with gratitude.

Sharing the journey with you,