Entitlement

What is entitlement? Basically, it's the idea that because of who someone is or what status they possess in society they have a right to something.  That they are deserving of privileges or special treatment.

Some examples.......good and not so good......

I am entitled to my paycheck because I worked and put the time in to get it. One time, years ago, my paycheck was severely messed up. I was shorted a big chunk of money. Turns out there was a misunderstanding, but I had to wait until next paytime to get the money I was shorted. That wasn't fun. I had bills and not enough to pay that week......I was entitled to MY money, yet it wasn't available.

My husband and my kids are entitled to my time and energy......they deserve this because of who they are in my life. Not everyone in my life is entitled to me this way. When they have something to talk about, I make myself available to listen. They know they have access to me whenever they need me. They are entitled. They are allowed. 

I work in a busy ER.....most people come to the ER because they have pain in some part of their body. I hear it all.....but when it comes to entitlement......chest pain is more severe and deserving of attention before dental pain. Pain in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen is more important than pain on your ear. You get the idea, but people will yell and cuss because they wait too long with a toothache or an ear ache. They feel entitled because they have pain. They feel they were there  first and the pain they have is worthy of first class treatment. I'm not saying their pain needs to be dismissed, I'm saying the location and severity of pain or illness takes presidance over other pains and illnesses. This is hard to explain in the moment to someone. When we have pain normal reasoning goes out thr window.

When a loved one passes away, usually there is someone or some people they leave their belongings to. This makes them an heir to the estate of the loved one. This status makes them entitled. I guess where this could have a bad outcome is when someone who thought they were an heir, ended up not being one. It could cause a problem with the ones involved and left behind.

I guess what bothers me at times is when the entitlement becomes arrogance. I don't like arrogance in people. It's a trait that needs to be worked on. The opposite of arrogance is humility. When we claim to be Christians, our sense of entitlement to Jesus and eternity should never be looked at with arrogance. We need to be humble in realizing all our savior did for us and even though we are entitled, we still have to be good witnesses for Him while we live.

How are we entitled to Jesus?
Since we are His child......
We are entitled to talk to Him 24/7. We can call on Him at anytime. He will hear His children.
One day we will sit at His feet and worship Him in heaven.
One day we will be judged and given rewards for our treasures we stored in heaven just to return them to Him.
One day we will walk the streets of gold.
One day we won't feel pain or cry.
One day we will meet our Savior face to face.
One day we will see His nail scarred hands and feet.
One day we will live in a new earth.
All these things Christians are entitled to if we have come to Jesus for our salvation. Since we love Him more than anyone or anything else, we are entitled. That we can say with confidence.......not arrogance. Keep telling others thr gospel. Repent of wrongs. Get right with God and this entitlement is yours too!