Give up entitlement and learn humility.
A woman who teaches young adults for the County told me about some of the behaviors she must contend with among these young people who have not learned how to live accountably. In a recent conversation, a student who only chooses to come two of the four, weekly hours prescribed by the class said this indignantly to the teacher. “Where are my papers; did you throw them away?”
When her teacher said it is hard to keep up with her stuff when she only comes two hours a week, she stormed out of the class. It was not an unusual behavior for a student that expects to be given special favors. She believes she is entitled.
Jesus tells us to give up entitled, demanding behavior. Why? It is off-putting, rude, and condescending. It is the opposite of our Lord’s behavior which picked up a towel, a basin of water and began the task of washing his disciples’ feet.
That’s what the Lord wants from us.
“Then James and John….came over and spoke to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do us a favor.’… ‘When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.’” Mark 10:35-40.
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do….But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness.” Romans 6:20-23
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45.
Question: Where do you see people acting entitled? At work? At home? Among your friends?
Activity: Write down how you think people, including yourself, can learn to be humble and serving in the way you approach people?
Prayer: Dear Father, it is so easy to act entitled. We are blasted with the message of entitlement everywhere we go. Use this product “because you’re worth it.” “Drive this car.” “Treat ME this way because I’ve earned it.” Lord, please help us to be like Jesus. Fill us with your spirit. Help us to see that whatever we receive in this life is a grace. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.