We all know God blesses His people. He has even blessed many through the years with prosperity and power. God does miracles and as some say, He is still in the miracle-working business. As a result, we have Christians who believe they are entitled to a miracle, a new car, a big home, good relationships and health, and all the other things that the world calls success. We are told that we should “step out in faith” and expect God to provide. We are even told to “expect a miracle” which leads inevitably to the idea of demanding a miracle. Jesus, in Luke 11:29, seeing the crowds increasing declared, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah”.
This type of sin is what we call spiritual entitlement. Nobody is entitled to a miracle and no man of God can promise you one if it’s out of the will of God. As you demand a miracle, just remember that there are people all around the world who are more faithful than you are and yet materially they have very little. There are people who endure great physical trials yet possess a faith that is deeper than we can understand. These people do not feel entitled to worldly blessings or miracles, but rather they have discovered the blessing of intimacy with God which is better than anything the world can give us.
Many other types of the sin of entitlement abounds even among Christians like us. It is said that “The greater your sense of entitlement in life, the greater your ingratitude”. It seems like our world keeps filling up with more and more entitled people. Entitlement, which is a sinful mindset, is very unattractive upon discovery. Nobody likes an entitled person. Someone once suggested to me a way to test someone’s character. Give him (or her) $5 for a relatively long period or months. Then stop and see what his reaction is. The natural tendency is that if we receive a service or gift long enough, we come to view it as an entitlement. We feel hurt, even angry if we don’t receive it any longer. How is this true in your relationships, at the office and even in the Church? Make an effort today to recognize the blessings you’ve come to take for granted. Focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t have and see if it doesn’t improve your attitude.
Our challenge is to stop living our lives feeling that somehow we have been cheated or deprived. We need to realize the blessing we have received and live instead with gratitude and contentment. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, not an entitlement. Start each day thanking God for all that He has given you: a new day of life; His mercy and grace; your family, faith and health; His promises in the Word of God; a purpose in living. Be specific. Look for opportunities to thank people for their work and the blessing they have given you. Make a conscious effort to look for ways that you can give to others rather than focusing on what you think you deserve from others
May your week not be weak but with Him. I send you my prayerful wishes. From Fr. Raymond
