entitlement

Do you deserve the computer you're using right now?

What about that cell phone you just flipped open?

And that car that you drove today, do you deserve it?

Not to mention your clothes, house and the food you ate today. Do you deserve any of it?

Really sit and ask yourself these questions. Did you feel your heart start? Did you think for just a split second "yes, I deserve to have a roof over my head"?

But, the answer is "no" you do not deserve any of it. "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought" says Paul in Romans 12. Don't be conformed to the pattern of this world. The pattern of entitlement. Instead, humble yourself in the sight of all.

Jesus Christ humbled himself to the ultimate, taking the very form of a servant and then dying a terrible death on the cross. For people who forget about him daily. For people who think they deserve that morning coffee and get frustrated when the drive-thru line just won't move fast enough.

Friends, remember that this life is not your own. Don't be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Don't let your sense of entitlement outshine the humility of the Gospel.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

You are not entitled. Christ was. And he gave up everything for the sake of those who believe.

-joe