Introduction—The Danger of Entitlement

Last week, we explored the transformative power of gratitude and how it enriches our lives and supports our mental health. This week, I want to delve into something that stands in stark contrast to gratitude: entitlement. Entitlement is a sneaky, dangerous mindset that can creep in without us realizing it, and it has the power to rob us of our joy, peace, and appreciation for the blessings that God generously pours into our lives.

When we develop a sense of entitlement, we start to believe that we deserve certain things simply because we want them or because we’ve done something we think makes us worthy. It’s an attitude that says, “I deserve this,” or, “This is owed to me.” But entitlement is the enemy of true gratitude because it shifts our focus away from the grace of God and leads us to believe that we somehow earned the blessings we’ve received.

Entitlement Steals Joy

When we start thinking we deserve certain things, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessings that are already in our lives. Rather than feeling grateful for what we have, we begin to feel discontent about what we think we lack. Entitlement whispers that what we have is not enough and that we deserve more, and this robs us of the joy that comes from being content and thankful. Instead of rejoicing in the blessings God gives us, we are left feeling frustrated, envious, or dissatisfied.

The Apostle Paul provides a sharp contrast to the entitled mindset. Writing from prison, he said:

Paul understood that true contentment does not come from getting what we think we deserve, but from relying on God’s grace and strength. Entitlement blinds us to the blessings that are already present in our lives, while gratitude helps us see and appreciate them.

God’s Grace, Not What We Deserve

One of the most dangerous aspects of entitlement is that it distorts our understanding of God’s grace. When we feel entitled, we begin to believe that we’ve earned God’s favor through our actions or that we are somehow deserving of His blessings. But the truth is that everything we receive from God is a gift—completely undeserved and given out of His great love and mercy.

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul reminds us:

If we received what we truly deserved, it would be eternal separation from God, and nothing good comes from that. But, in His mercy, God gives us what we need rather than what we deserve. It’s worth remembering this when we allow entitlement to sneak in the back door of our lives, the next time we feel like God owes us something. He gives us forgiveness, love, and eternal life through Jesus Christ. What more should we expect? This is why gratitude is such a vital part of our faith—it acknowledges that every good thing we have is a result of God’s grace and not our own merit.

In Psalm 103, David expresses this truth beautifully:

When we shift our focus from what we think we deserve to what God has graciously given us, we find freedom, joy, and peace. We see our lives not as a collection of things we are owed but as a collection of blessings that have been poured out on us by a God who loves us more than we can fully know or understand.

Breaking the Chains of Entitlement

If you find yourself struggling with feelings of entitlement, know that you are not alone. This mindset is one that we all wrestle with at times. The good news is that God invites us to lay down our entitlement and pick up gratitude instead.

Here are a few things I’ve tried over the years to try to break free from the chains of entitlement, in case it’s helpful:

1. Recognize God as the Giver of All Good Things: James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” When we remember that everything we have is a gift from God, it becomes easier to let go of entitlement and embrace gratitude.
2. Practice Thankfulness: Make a habit of thanking God daily for the blessings in your life—both big and small. Gratitude shifts our focus away from what we think we lack and helps us see the abundance we already have.
3. Serve Others: One of the best ways to break free from entitlement is to serve others. When we put others’ needs before our own, we are reminded that life is not all about us. Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Serving others helps us develop a heart of humility and gratitude.
4. Remember God’s Grace: Reflect on the fact that God does not give us what we deserve but instead offers us His grace and mercy. This should fill our hearts with overwhelming gratitude and help us let go of any feelings of entitlement.

Conclusion: Gratitude Over Entitlement

Entitlement is a thief that steals our joy, contentment, and appreciation for the blessings God has given us. It leads us to believe that we deserve more, blinding us to the abundance we already have. But when we choose gratitude, we open our eyes to the beauty and grace that fill our lives.

Instead of asking, “What do I deserve?” let’s ask, “How can I be grateful for what God has given me?” Instead of demanding more, let’s thank God for His grace, which gives us far more than we could ever deserve. Let’s break free from entitlement and embrace a life of thankfulness, contentment, and joy.