What you're entitled to

Luke 13:22-30
Heb. 3:7-15

It's amazing to me the level of expectation all of us get due to our circumstances or feelings. No matter whether we're in the middle of having a good time, to being in the depths of despair and anguish we seem to think that we have certain 'rights'. May'be because of who we are, where we are, or what we've done we think that we can command or demand certain entitlements.

Current issues that show attitudes of entitlement:

• Disasters or sudden emergencies ( Katrina, tsumani, lost jobs, etc.)
• Loss of something dear (lives, sentimental things, friends, homes, etc.)
• Accomplishing something (promotion, positive changes, etc.)
• Eternal redemption and salvation ("I'm basically a good person", "i've done good things", etc.)

The idea of our being able to obtain something that we are 'entitled' to is to superimpose ourselves as a supreme being, or, to act as if we have control over things, contracts, or obligations that we never have had due to us or ability to affect solely in the first place. Even the Israelites in the day of Moses and the wandering of the wilderness constantly complained and whined about what they thought was due to them, and they paid for it in spades at times.

It's best to recognize some truths at the onset of any feeling we get or circumstance that comes our way. First, God is Soveriegn! He is Holy and in charge. Even though He has stooped Himself to rescue us from our sins and yet allows bad things to happen..He is still in charge. Second, no matter what, where, or how we are at any time we have a duty to serve Him. It matters not if we are under trodden or too busy 'living it up'; we have been commanded to work for Him and especially if we have decided to follow Him as our Lord and Savior. Thirdly, we are commanded to serve each other because of Him. We are to "esteem others better than ourselves" enacting not just a golden rule, but rather one of platinum, untarnisable through the polish of love by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit through a redeemed life in Christ.
So, the next time you find yourself in a lurch, in the ditch I hope you recognize the Creator is still watching and waiting and realize what you're entitled to...and who your Lord is...