We are an entitled generation. We expect everything to cater to us. Unfortunately, we throw fits when lift doesn’t go our way. Adults tend to blame the younger generation for the entitled nature. However, every age suffers from this sense of entitlement. We think that we’re owed something when in fact we’re not.
The Story: Exodus 15:22-16:35
In Exodus 15:22-16:35, the Israelites have been away from Egypt for one month. Yet, they longed for the daily necessities that were mainstays during their time in captivity. Before they could thank God for enabling them to walk on dry ground in the Red Sea, they complained about the lack of drinkable water. Even without any gratitude, God sweetened the bitter water with a piece of wood.
Before they could say thank you for the drinkable water, they complained about the lack of food. Not only do they complain, they reminisce about the comforts of Egypt as if Egypt was their private vacation spot. They conveniently ignored the conditions of their confinement. They negated how they had to make bricks from straw before they erected structures and overlooked the heated environment. For now, their memory displayed a mirage of comforts they didn’t have now or then. Fortunately for them, the forgiving God supplied for them.
The Lesson
Yes, the Israelites acted like the entitled. How often are we the Israelites? We complain when life doesn’t go our way. If our supervisor doesn’t say things exactly how we like, we complain about the job while ignoring the fact that we’re always late to work. Or what about our spouse. We’re ready to jump ship the first time he forgets to take out the trash. We disregard the fact that he goes to work everyday and comes home at night. Unfortunately, we’re think we’re entitled to comfort.
We forget what the Bible says. 2 Corinthians 4:17 explains that our afflictions are light and temporary and there’s a coming glory that will surpass all the trouble. In other words, our discomfort won’t last and God has a purpose for it. How about 2 Timothy 3:12? This passage reminds us that our Christian walk has persecution attached. Therefore, we’re guaranteed trouble and not entitled to a life of ease. So the entitled nature doesn’t belong in our expectations.
I can hear you now “So, I have to deal with people mistreating me.” The short answer is no but stick around for more. First, no one was more persecuted than Jesus. We mistreat Him daily when we don’t follow Him or His instructions. Second, we ask God to examine our hearts to see if we’re adding to the situation (see Psalm 51:10-12). Third, we pray for the offender by asking God how to deal with the situation (Matthew 5:43-45; Romans 12:14). Fourth, we seek wise counsel if we have continuous interactions with the person (Proverbs 24:6-7).
Therefore, we become free from the entitled mindset when we recognize that everything stems from God. We aren’t self-sufficient even though we think we are. Because of who He is, God’s the only entitled one.
