I’M ENTITLED! (Lies we believe 2)
Today in the USA we very aware of our rights. They are guaranteed us by the US Constitution. Advertisers promise we have the right to be happy, understood, loved, successful, healthy and prosperous. We expect all our needs to be met: food, medical help, possessions, mate and children, etc. If something is lacking we are quickly aware of it and complain to God or others (or both). But are we right to believe this, or is it another lie of Satan to deceive and defeat us?
Jonah felt he had a right to hate the Ninevites because of their cruelty to his people, possibly his very own family. He felt he was entitled to choose to whom he wanted to minister. He was angry when God wanted to spare the Ninevites and to use him to bring that about. He felt his rights had been violated and asked God to take his life (Jonah 4:1). God asked him what justification he had to be angry because God didn’t do everything he wanted (Jonah 4:4). God could often ask us the same question. Who are we to demand of Him, to question Him, to accuse Him of being unfair to us or of making life too hard on us? As Christians, we want to claim our rights from God. We want all we feel we are entitled to from Him.
But suppose God gave us what we were entitled to, what we deserved and what was rightfully ours? Where would we be right now? Yes, in hell for all eternity. We can be glad God doesn’t give us we warrant! Instead of trying to claim our rights we need to yield our rights.
When we feel God owes us something, or is withholding something good, we are believing a lie from Satan. It’s the very same lie he used with Eve (Genesis 3:1-5). God’s purpose is to make us like Jesus and to be glorified through us, not to give us heaven on earth. Heaven will come later, now is the time to grow and serve Him. Thinking He is withholding something we have a right to just makes us question and doubt Him. We aren’t thankful, don’t worship, don’t trust Him and turn from Him to meet our own needs. And that is exactly what Satan wants to happen!
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs (not wants) according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
How content are you with your lot in life? Do you hold back from God because you think He is holding back from you? What lies about this do you believe (and act on)?
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization