“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
– Ephesians 5:5
If I were to ask you, “What’s the opposite of gratitude?” — what would you say? If you answered ingratitude, you wouldn’t be wrong, but I think there’s a more accurate way to describe it, and that’s entitlement. Unfortunately, we live in a society that’s filled with people who feel they deserve instant gratification, free stuff, endless entertainment, and a hassle-free life. However, I want to submit to you that the greed underlying this outlook is actually a kind of leprosy of the soul. Just as the disease eats away at the flesh of its victims until there’s little left, so a person who feels as if the world owes them is being destroyed from the inside out by their own self-centeredness. This is because we can’t be focused on what we don’t have and inherit abundant life at the same time. In order to be the joyful, compassionate, loving, and peaceful disciples that Jesus has called us to be, we must look to Him with humility and gratitude. As we turn our hearts to Heaven in worship and allow His Spirit to fill us, He gives us eyes to see just how blessed we are. Once we understand how completely He has healed and set us free, we can shed the encumbrance of entitlement and trade it for the liberty of His love. My friend, today, turn your focus inward and make an honest assessment of your attitudes and behaviors. If circumstances aren’t measuring up to your expectations and you’ve begun to grow bitter, bring your disappointments to your Savior. Rather than allowing feelings of entitlement to creep in, lay your situation at His feet, and trust Him to renew your mind and restore your joy. He has given you countless good and perfect gifts, and He is willing to trade your discontent for a heaping measure of His heavenly treasure. |
Prayer
Jesus, heal me from any leprosy that has crept into my soul by way of entitlement, greed, or ingratitude.
Reflection
Do you struggle with an attitude of entitlement in some area of your life? If so, how might you counter it with thankfulness?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Thanks for sharing so true our western culture even small c church culture preaching a prosperity entitlement so called gospel.
My Bible reads follow me expect the pain I felt even death.
His faithfulness to my needs in very creative ways.
Blessings to you and your family Bobby preach truth even if it hurts.