Pastor Ben’s Ponderings

From The Desk Of Pastor Ben

“That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”     (Hebrews 6:12) NKJV

We hear a lot today about entitlement and we see examples of it everywhere we turn. I’m not sure whether it is the government, cultural influences, parenting trends, or the immediacy of the computer age driving this entitled way of thinking. But I fear we are raising a generation that lives under the illusion that there will always be a safety net — that as citizens of the world we should be able to expect certain benefits, whether or not we have earned them.
There is a fine line between enjoying the unmerited blessings of God’s provision and taking responsibility for our lives. No one believes more than I that our future is dependent on trusting Christ. Living in His blessing is a wonderful gift.

At the same time, we can’t ignore the reality that God’s promises always bear a responsibility on our part. For instance, 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “IF my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven…” And 1 John 1:9 says, “IF we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”

Each privilege we enjoy as citizens and as the family of God has come at a price. Living in a state of gratitude and a willingness to live responsibly is the only way to leave the world better for those who come after us. An attitude of entitlement is the antithesis of personal responsibility. We combat it with gratitude and a commitment to leaving a legacy that makes our world better than we found it. May God help us!