Bulletin Articles
The Dangers of Entitlement
The Dangers of Entitlement
As Christians, we try to “fight the good fight” and do things that are pleasing and acceptable to the Lord in heaven. This is inherently a good thing, but can absolutely lead to its own set of issues. As humans, when we do good things, we feel we deserve to be rewarded. In the book, The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble writes, “The word, “deserve,” is saturated with the poison of entitlement. Companies use it in advertising to appeal to and feed our self-centeredness.”
This self-centeredness is dangerous for us as Christians, husbands, wives, children and individuals alike. This is dangerous because we can begin to feel entitled to God's favor. When in fact, we need to continually work to earn any favor the Lord wishes to bestow upon us.
In the book of Job, as he is suffering in an unimaginable way, he still finds a way to honor and respect God. Job 13:15 reads, “Though he slay me, Yet will I trust him.” This is an example of a man who understands we are not entitled to anything, regardless of our good actions or deeds.
In John 16:33, Jesus says “In this world you will have tribulation.” Jesus is shedding light on the fact that even as Christians we are not exempt from trials. And we should humble ourselves because the Lord’s work is an ongoing work that requires continual effort on our end.
Think of it from a parenting perspective. We try our best to make sure we do not spoil our children too much. We do this because we want to ensure they have the right perspective and don't feel entitled. We have all seen the child having the huge fit in the store when they don't get something they feel they deserve or want.
When it comes to our father in heaven, we can turn into that kid in the store, especially when we go through trials or feel we are not getting what we deserve.
In Luke 18:10-14 the Pharisee felt his prayers were more important than the tax collector because did things the "right" way (praying, tithing, fasting etc.). His pride has him puffed up and ready for what he "deserved". Jesus said the tax collector was justified over the Pharisee because the tax collector humbled himself, rather than exalting himself.
We should work each day to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, because the only things we are promised in this world are sin and death. And we must earn God's grace and mercy each and every day for a chance at our ultimate goal in heaven.
-Will Birdsong
