February 28, Wednesday ~ Giving Up Entitlement

DAY 13: Giving Up Entitlement

Scripture Links:

• Mark 10:35-45

• Romans 6:20-23

• Ephesians 2:1-10

We are giving up entitlement today. I think there is a good chance that we all know what that feels like from both sides; the “I deserve that” and the “who do you think you are” side. I mean, those Zebedee brothers are pretty full of themselves!!

I have been thinking about what happens deep inside me when I feel I deserve something specific and maybe even special from God. Have I reduced God to a vending machine? I insert the right amount of prayers, worship, or service, and out comes a good result on my lab test or an improved relationship. I can’t help but think that having that mindset negates the awe and wonder, the mystery of God, the ability and desire of God to bless us abundantly, even more than we can know. The unconditional offering of myself to God’s will opens up a world of mystery and fulfillment that I can’t begin to comprehend. We see through a glass dimly right now (1 Corinthians 13:12) , but in God’s time, we will have the clear, full spectrum in our view.

I was not ready for Ressler’s final suggestion in his Plan of Action section: “When encountering another person burdened by a sense entitlement, practice patience and grace”. (page 49) What is THAT about? You mean, I can’t smack ‘em upside the back of the head and tell them to get over themselves? Well…I guess that wouldn’t set the best example of Christ’s unconditional love. That kind of action makes it all about me and not about Jesus’ sacrifice.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.

At any point if you are feeling overwhelmed by this content or just want to have a further discussion about the topic, feel free to contact pastormattbridges@gmail.com or wendy@encompassthespirit.com