Entitlement creates hostility

If you look at all of the greats in the Bible, their lives were anything but blessings and roses all of the time. They led powerful and fulfilling lives, but it was no cakewalk. Yet, I think that so many Christians today have this, "what can God do for me mentality." I have to admit that I have had this sense of entitlement to God. As if my life was for Him to give me all that I wanted and when I didn’t get it, I was angry with God. It is almost inevitable that if we are not praying against this “me mentality” that we will fall into it. As great as our country is, we as Americans are consumed with ourselves. It is difficult not to become a product of our culture and allow that mentality to corrupt our walk with Christ.

A sense of entitlement towards God

creates a hostility and separation from Him.

I cannot exalt God when my thoughts are consumed with me. We, as Christians, have a choice. We can ask God to fill us and selfishly never allow ourselves to be emptied because the emptying is too uncomfortable or we can allow God to fill us to be emptied again and live lives of impact. I love the lyrics from “The Desert Song” by Hillsong United.

“This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I’m filled to be emptied again

The seed I’ve received I will sow”

The power and glory God displays through our lives when we submit to Him, far out ways the silly, fleeting comforts we request of this life. We will go through seasons of great joy, but let us also be willing to go through the wilderness for His sake and, in that wilderness, we will experience His wonderful fulfillment like nothing in this life can offer. This is where I am, struggling between what I want and know and letting go for the unknown depths of God. God, help me in this journey.