~Entitlement~

My mom and I were running errands the other day and we had to go to the bank to make a transaction.   We walked into the bank and silently waited in line for the person in front of us to be done so that we could go on ahead.    Overhearing parts of the conversation that was going on in front of us between the lady at the desk and the man the situation became apparent.  The man who had somewhat of a rough appearance continued on with the lady behind the counter for several minutes.  When there was a break in the conversation my mom put in "Do you need a place to stay for the night?"  The man turned around and looked at her and replied "Yes, I do..."  My mom quickly replied "You can stay at the Open Door Mission, that is a good place".   The man looked at her and with a sudden bitterness in his tone told her that he wouldn't even send a sick dog to that place.  

This conversation got me thinking, this man who looked as if he hadn't had a place to stay in a while would not go to a homeless shelter?  His answer insinuated as if he deserved something better than that.  As if it weren't good enough for him? 

We are a generation of entitlement, entitlement to something, anything.  So much of what is around us isn't good enough for us.   How often I think that not only is there a physical entitlement but also a spiritual entitlement with God.   We take advantage of what Christ has given us, of what He has done for us and we expect more.   More of what?  What else could there possibly be that is better?   Christ has shown us our worth, and it is great.  If anything it should be the other way around, Christ is entitled to something better than us.   Something better than what I have to offer, but yet he lowers his expectation because he knows of how incredibly sinful and ugly we are.....  Absolutely amazing

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us"  Ephesians 5: 1 - 2a