Entitlement

Entitlement: belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Who here has felt a sense of entitlement before? *hand raised*

Let me tell you a few things that I’ve felt entitled to. You let me know if any of these sound familiar.

♦ “I have worked hard today, I deserve to sit down and watch what I want on tv”

♦ “I am worn out! I deserve this bowl of ice cream!”

♦ “My husband has been at work all day and I’ve been busy with the house. He can take care of the kitchen tonight.”

♦ “My family has been stressing me out! I think I will purchase that purse I’ve been eying up at Target”

But how many times has entitlement gotten us in trouble? Have you added unnecessary calories because of it? Have you spent money that should have been spent elsewhere? Have you given an attitude to your children or husband that wasn’t positive?

When I start feeling this way (because I do!), I’m reminded of something. I am not my own. I am an expensive investment. I was bought at a high price.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Paul also says, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything”

(1 Corinthians 6:12)

♥♥♥

So what does this mean for us? Does this mean we don’t deserve our bowl of ice cream, time in front of the tv, or new purse? Not at all.

Here are a few things to ask yourself when you feel this way:

♦ While you may be “entitled” to any of the above options, ask yourself, SHOULD you partake in any of it?

♦ Does this decision and the attitude that comes with it bring glory to God?

♦ Am I allowing something other than God’s glory and purpose to master me?

The decisions we make today all need to be filtered first through what God would want us to do with ourselves. We first must serve the Lord. I do not want to be mastered by anything else than the purpose and glory of God! I do not want my desire for ice cream to master me. I do not want my desire to look pretty to master me and I do not want my desire to “get even” with my husband to master me. Again, we were bought with a price! We are NOT OUR OWN.

So, tonight, when you are feeling unloved, unappreciated and exhausted, do not first grab for ice cream, the remote, or your credit card. Pause and ask God what He would want you to do because after all, you are HIS first. He gave his ONLY son for you. (John 3:16) You ARE an expensive investment. Live your life as one.