Here’s a bit of irony: a number of those who complain about the entitlement mentality, often feel entitled themselves. Oh, they work hard for what they have, and are diligent at what they do for a living. A strong work ethic is commendable. No one gave them anything, they earned it! A laborer is worthy of his wages, there is no argument there (see 1 Timothy 5:18); but, how many actually want more than they deserve? Jesus said we shouldn’t expect to be commended for doing what were supposed to do or what is expected of us. (see Luke 17:5-10). How many want a pat on the back for showing up to work on time and doing their job? Look, some say they don’t want anything they didn’t earn, but how many expect paid holidays, vacation or sick leave? Nothing wrong with receiving these or any other benefits, they play part in many compensation packages. Nonetheless, are you grateful for them, or do you just expect it? Have you ever heard someone complain about their bonus being smaller than they anticipated? Was it you, perhaps? Hello, it’s a bonus! It’s not something an employer has to give you. It’s “icing on the cake.” How many of you employers expect your employees to do extra work for free, because you feel they owe you for giving them a job? Do you expect them to care about your business as much as you? It would be nice if they did, but they are not as vested in it as you. Have you considered profit sharing? Of course, you can only do what you’re capable of doing. You may afford them a living, but they don’t owe you their souls. It would be nice if both employee and employer appreciated each other.
If you are unthankful, you carry the entitlement mentality. When you demand something because you “deserve it,” you’re feeling entitled. Who deserves all glory? The obvious answer is God. Why then, do some look for the pat on the back? As disciples of Jesus Christ, why do we work? One reason is so we have something to give or share with one who has need (see Ephesians 4:28). That is not to say we shouldn’t possess things, but they should never possess us. Can you give your possessions away, if the Lord were to ask it of you? Remember, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world and they dwell therein” (Psalms 24:1). So, do your possessions really belong to you in the first place? If you really feel deserving for all your hard work, who gave you the ability to gain wealth? Again, the obvious answer is God. Are you grateful? What’s the purpose of wealth? To confirm His Covenant which He swore to our forefathers (see Deuteronomy 8:18). Do you give God glory and offer the first fruits of all your possessions? If you’re withholding what rightfully belongs to God, which is everything and not merely 10%, you may have the entitlement mentality. Granted, some don’t give because they’re afraid, but that’s another issue. If a person withholds out of greed, he or she has the entitlement mentality, also known as lust.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
