Overcoming Entitlement: Finding Rest and Peace through Humility

Entitlement: A Thief of Rest and Peace

Do you ever feel like you deserve more than you have? Do you compare yourself to others and feel like you're missing out on something? If so, you might be struggling with entitlement.

Entitlement is a belief that we inherently deserve privileges or special treatment. It's a mindset that says, "I deserve more than what I have," or "I'm entitled to this." It's a dangerous way of thinking that can lead to a lack of peace and rest.

What Does the Bible Say About Entitlement?

The Bible has a lot to say about entitlement. In fact, the entire message of the Gospel is that we don't deserve anything. We are sinners saved by grace, not because of anything we have done or anything we deserve.

Jesus himself said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45 ESV). Jesus, the Son of God, did not come to be served, but to serve. He didn't come with a sense of entitlement, but with a humble heart of service.

The apostle Paul also speaks against entitlement in his letter to the Philippians. He writes, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3 ESV). Paul encourages us to have a humble attitude towards others, rather than thinking we deserve more than them.

The Dangers of Entitlement

Entitlement is dangerous because it can rob us of rest and peace. When we believe we deserve more than what we have, we're never satisfied. We're always looking for more, and we're never content with what we have. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.

Entitlement can also lead to bitterness and resentment towards others. When we feel like we're missing out on something, we can start to envy those who have what we want. This can create a lot of tension in our relationships and can even lead to conflict.

Furthermore, entitlement can prevent us from experiencing the joy of serving others. When we think we're entitled to certain privileges or special treatment, we're not willing to humble ourselves and serve others. This can rob us of the joy that comes from serving others and can prevent us from experiencing the blessings that come from serving.

How to Overcome Entitlement

So how can we overcome entitlement? How can we cultivate a humble attitude towards others and find rest and peace in our lives?

1. Count Your Blessings

One way to overcome entitlement is to count your blessings. Take some time to reflect on all the good things in your life. Think about your family, your friends, your health, your job, and all the other blessings in your life. When we focus on the good things in our lives, we're less likely to feel entitled.

2. Serve Others

Another way to overcome entitlement is to serve others. Look for opportunities to help those in need. Volunteer at a local charity, help a friend move, or simply lend a listening ear to someone who needs it. When we serve others, we're reminded of how blessed we are and we're less likely to feel entitled.

3. Practice Humility

Finally, practice humility. Recognize that you're not better than anyone else and that you don't deserve special treatment. Treat others with kindness and respect, and be willing to put their needs before your own. When we practice humility, we cultivate a heart of service and we're less likely to feel entitled.

Conclusion

Entitlement is a dangerous mindset that can rob us of rest and peace. It's a belief that we deserve more than what we have, and it can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. However, by counting our blessings, serving others, and practicing humility, we can overcome entitlement and cultivate a heart of service. Let's follow the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, and let's find rest and peace in serving others.