The Teachings of Jesus -ENTITLEMENT

Text: Luke 14:1-14

En-ti-tle-ment

1a: the state or condition of being entitled
b: a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract
2: belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges

Footnotes:

https://www.inc.com/ryan-jenkins/this-is-why-millennials-are-entitled.html

1. Parenting

To a high degree, entitlement is a learned behavior. Millennials never thought of themselves as entitled, but their parents believed they were entitled to everything --thus the emergence of "helicopter parents." It may have been a noble parenting style, but it had unexpected ramifications that infused different behaviors and expectations into an entire generation.

2. Human Nature

Entitlement is a human condition that is not exclusive to Millennials. Humans are selfish by nature. We have to work hard and intentionally to overcome or suppress our selfish behaviors. Maturity is the ability to see and act on the behalf of others, while immaturity is not seeing things from someone else's point of view. In many cases, it's natural for Millennials to exude entitlement because they are immature in their grasp of workplace dynamics. In addition, the human brain continues to develop until a person is around twenty-five. Buying a house, getting married, and having kids helps to accelerate maturity and an others-first mentality, but Millennials are waiting longer than previous generations did to enter those life stages.

The Occasion

Jesus was at the home of a leading Pharisee for dinner.

He began speaking to the guests when He noticed how they had been picking out their places to recline at the table.

Speaking to the Guests

When you are invited to a reception, do not take the place of honor, for someone more important may have been invited. Else the host may need to come to you and ask that you give up your seat, and you will be disgraced.

Humility Demonstrated

Instead, when you are invited, take the lowliest seat, and perhaps the host will ask you to move to a place of greater prominence.

Then you will be honored by all the guests.

The Truth

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled

Those who humble themselves will be exalted

Practicing humility

We are called to be humble servants

We are not owed anything ; we are owned

Do not think more of yourself than you ought

Do not insist on your ‘rights;’ do more than require

Be a Servant

Footnotes:

Humble Servants: (Gal 5:13) You, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Slaves to righteousness (Ro 6:18) You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Owned: (1 Cor 6:19-20) Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Self-centered thinking: (Ro 12:3) Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, (Phil 2:3) with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Entitlement: (Mt. 5:40-42) if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Speaking to the Host

When you entertain, don’t just invite the people you like,

and the people who can benefit you.

Invite those who don’t often get invited, and those who have little to offer you, and those who cannot repay your kindness.

What’s in it for me?

Do you look at opportunities and relationships with a view to how it can benefit you, or make you feel good about yourself, or improve your status, or get you more money or ‘likes’?

Do you look at opportunities and relationships with a view of contributing to the good you can bring to your community and

to others, and the glory you can bring to God?

Footnotes:

https://aspeneducation.crchealth.com/articles/article-entitlement/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2017/11/22/millennials- and-entitlement-in-the-workplace-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/#c8dec903943c