The Empire of Entitlement

There are few things that threaten my ability to live and lead in humility like a spirit of entitlement.

In our culture today it’s very easy to get caught up inside of what’s been called the “empire of entitlement.”  Inside of this empire I start to think…

1. Life should revolve around ME.

2. Relationships are about meeting MY needs.

3. Fruitful ministry is the result of MY effort.

4. The things I have are because of MY hard work.

5. Luxuries become like MY necessities.

I have to be very careful, especially when things are going well, that I don’t live inside of the delusions of  this empire for long. As soon as I start to believe that I have what I have because of MY hard work it leads to all kinds of unhealthy extremes. When I sense myself drifting in this direction I have to remind myself of Scriptures like this one in Deuteronomy.  Moses’ warning is so relevant to many of us today. Especially those of us in leadership.

Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath. – Deut. 8:14-18

Who gives power?

He does.

So whose power is it?

His.

Not yours.

Which means?

Good leaders don’t seek to acquire power; in fact, they ferociously try to give it away.

Do you ever struggle inside of this “empire of entitlement” forgetting it’s God who gives you the power to accomplish what you accomplish and gain all that you gain?