Church Corner

Unbelievable, many people are still living with the mind set of “entitlement.” We all deserve a new home, a new car, high-paying jobs, opportunities, and health care (oops, don’t go there preacher).

After all, we’re Americans. You’d think that the recession would have woken us up and that we would realize the serious trouble we are in.

You’d think we’d make some serious changes before it’s too late and we fall into a deep depression.

Oh no, not us, after all we are Americans. Yes, most of us have made some minor changes like not going out to eat as much (but still eating as much), not buying as many frappuccinos, not going out to the movies as much (but renting and watching more DVDs at home), being laid off but not seriously looking for a job because unemployment benefits have been extended, or refusing to take a job because it pays less or it is not what we like, etc.

How dare we settle for less, after all, we are Americans!

Now, that’s not everyone mind you, but it appears to be the majority. It’s sad to say but many Christians are falling into this same attitude, after all, “I’m a child of God, I’m a ‘King’s Kid,’ I deserve the best – I’m entitled!” Instead of choosing a church where we can make a difference, we choose a church based upon “what can it offer me?”

Instead of seeing a need in a church we could fill, we look for positions of prestige, recognition and honor if we decide to serve at all. I

nstead of hanging out with those who are considered unlovely, hurting, and in need of friendship, we choose the company of those who look good, appear successful and have it all together (James 2:1-4).

We call it a “small group” but the world calls it “a clique.” Instead of giving a helping hand to the needy, we seek to rub shoulders with those who can offer us a leg up in the competition. Instead of going to church and asking God to search our hearts, we go to church to have our ears tickled (2 Tim 4:2-4).

God forbid, if the preacher says something that rubs me the wrong way, I’ll just pack up and start church shopping again until I find someone who makes me feel good and happy with the choices I make. Oh, and don’t count on me being at church service regularly, you never know, something better may come my way. After all, I am the King’s Kid and I am entitled!

“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45).

Let us turn the attitude of entitlement in our country and churches to a demonstration of gratitude and service.

Maybe we Christians can turn this recession into a revival.