I had an insightful meeting with a friend who I look up to even though he is much younger.
David and I met at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Bonifacio High Street.
As the conversation progressed, the topic of entitlement crept up.
Entitlement is believing the world owes you something just because you exist.
Several things happen when we have this sense of entitlement.
1. We demand.
Because we think the world owes us a favor for existing, we demand things to our favor.
“You need to serve me.”
“You should be glad I even showed up to your party.”
“You have to appreciate all I do for you.”
“You have to meet my needs because I am God’s gift to you.”
I realize that we may not articulate it the way I’ve written it but in some shape or form, it sounds that way.
2. We complain.
Because you owe me for being your friend, spouse, boss, brother, sister, parent, pastor, small group leader, coach, then if you don’t deliver what I expect you to deliver, then I am disappointed.
If you don’t meet my expectations, then I am frustrated to the point of grumbling.
3. We become ungrateful.
Gratefulness is our number 1 weapon against grumbling.
But because you owe me for my existence, then nothing you do will satisfy my craving for being served.
Because I should be the center of your world, then all that you do pales in comparison to my expectations.
Thus, we become ungrateful.
Here’s the truth, just in case you don’t know it yet: the world DOES NOT owe us a favor.
We have what we have because Someone provided, gave, sustained and helped.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thes. 5:18)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)
give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Ps. 107:1)
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. (Heb. 12:28)
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