I’ve always said, “He who expects nothing is never disappointed!” But this was disappointing, nevertheless. A single mom we met recently had an urgent financial need. She was going through a tough time, so several in our church stepped in to help. Even though we are retired and on a fixed income, we’ve always believed that giving was an opportunity to show God’s provision to others.

Our gift wasn’t extravagant, but it was significant in our eyes. When we gave her the money, she said nothing; no smile, no nod of the head, nothing! It was like it was expected. It seemed she felt entitled to other people’s money.

ENTITLEMENT. It’s become very evident in our culture. That happens when the government is responsible for meeting people’s needs. It wasn’t intended to be that way. There was a time when the church helped the poor, creating a sense of community. Now, it’s a government check with no human element involved; no compassion, no sign of caring, just money taken from someone else to meet an individual’s needs.

After a while, it’s just expected. I have these needs, so I’m entitled to have those needs met by someone else. We saw this recently during the government shutdown. We saw anger on social media because so many thought they wouldn’t get what they were owed!

It wasn’t always like that. While my wife and I both grew up in what would be considered poor families today, we didn’t see ourselves as poor. Our needs were met, or we learned to live without. The social safety net wasn’t around in our early years. Others had more, that’s always going to be a reality. But we never thought someone else should give us what we wanted. We were grateful for what we did have.

Having an attitude of gratitude sure makes life easier. It’s been very disappointing to see how we’ve become a country of entitlement. If someone else has more than we do, many expect that money should be taken from them and given to us. I think that’s called greed (ya think!). How do you counter an attitude of entitlement? Glad you asked.

After we became Christians, we were no longer as self-focused as we had been. Reading Scripture changes your perspective on material possession. In fact, in His “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus said to give in secret. Jesus also said it was more blessed to give than to receive. When our Heavenly Father shows compassion for those who are hurting, in need, or without hope, we’re called to do something. Compassion requires action.

We’re racing toward Christmas Day, shopping for the perfect gift for our kids and loved ones. Many times, gifts end up on the floor as they tear open the next present and the next. After the gifts are opened, the look of “Is that it?” makes us feel kind of sad. Many times, there is little gratitude for all the effort put into the day.

This is not God’s plan for us, and I don’t mean Christmas Day only. Our culture has become one of entitlement. Many feel we deserve more because others have more. We must realize we celebrate Christmas because we have been given a gift beyond earthly value: God’s only son. God GAVE His only Son so we could have eternal life. You can’t wrap that up and put it under the tree. We can celebrate Christmas every day of the year, and Easter!

Let me suggest something. In the midst of all greed and entitlement, let’s decide to be a spiritual thermostat in our circle of influence. We’re surrounded by those who are reflecting the culture, like a thermometer. But, as a thermostat, we set the atmosphere in our homes, in our churches, and in our neighborhoods. You’ll be surprised by how God can use you to change the world around you! Be a thermostat; change your environment!

Merry Christmas
Semper Fidelis