Contentment versus Entitlement

With all the news on the government bailouts and stimulus plans, everyone is wanting help. We see the automakers flying in on private jets needing money to stay afloat. We see banks using bailout money to remodel offices (who needs a $35,000 toilet?) and we even see the porn industry asking the goverment for money. Everyone thinks they are entitled to receive something for nothing.

Our society is going through a time of entitlement, and it bothers me. We see this with the examples above, but the scary thing is that we see it in our families as well. Have you found yourself rationalizing purchases? Everyone else has a flat-screen so I deserve one as well! What about your children? I see my children constantly wanting stuff because their friends already have it. We live in a society where it seems nobody is content with what they have. And the result of this type of thinking is people spending more than they make, and getting into trouble when times are tough.

The truth is that life isn’t always fair. The truth is that we must sacrifice. The truth is that we must act our wage and not spend money we don’t have. The truth is that we won’t always be able to keep up with our neighbors. And the truth is that we will never be content until we rely on Jesus to meet our needs, instead of relying on our “stuff” Entitlement is a result of our materialism and it has become our modern day Golden Calf.

So my question for you is: are you content with what you have, or do you feel like you are entitled to more?

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Mike

I am a former design engineer who now pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia. I'm passionate about following Jesus and I love technology. I've been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and we have three adult children.

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