Happy Holidays everyone!!! This Sunday’s topic was entitlement and expectations. We as human beings often struggle with gratitude as we tend to be thankful when our lives align with our desires and expectations. Whenever we show a sense of entitlement is when we show the belief that we deserve the outcomes we want in our lives and if that does not happen makes us bitter and most times show resentment. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 challenges us to give thanks in all circumstances and that true gratitude is trusting in God. Recognizing that God is in control and this helps us grow as Christians by practicing daily gratitude to pray with a thankful heart.
During our seasons of life in times of joy or trials we are called to praise God that acknowledges that God is good since God’s character does not change in Psalms 136:1 to give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever. During times of our trials, God’s intervention in our lives can deliver, heal and restore us that would naturally lead us to praise him even though in difficult moments it is not easy but it takes faith to know that God is working all things together for our good for his love endures forever Psalm 30:1-3.
The entitlement mindset is that we believe we deserve blessings, rewards and outcomes. Making the ability to recognize God’s provision in our lives leads us into a lack of praise to God for all he has done for us rather than his grace and the blessings we already receive from God. Aligning our actions with God’s design of work and responsibility we have to value is an entitled heart that does not understand this principle that God is the source of all good things 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Like the Israelites who showed an entitlement mindset when God’s provision to provide them manna, the Israelites wanted more rather than showing gratitude blinded them to God’s goodness. We often focus on what we lack rather than thanking God for his daily provisions because in all times God makes all things beautiful in his timing (2 Kings 5:10-14). Recognizing to praise God in our trials along with our good times is being content on trusting God that he provides us all we need to fulfill his purposes (Philippians 4:13).
What areas in your life do you feel discontent or entitled, expecting more instead of thanking God for what you already have?
How do you respond when God’s plans for you don’t align with your expectations?