The World Owes Me?
Does our leisure appetites drive us? If not what does? What are we entitled to?
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8
Society today has duped many of us into believing that the world owes us.
* It OWES us a good living.
* It OWES us a loving spouse.
* Good health throughout our whole life. * Sexual pleasure when we want it.
* Paid vacations the rest of our lives.
* The World Owes us Prosperity.
The world has told us if we work hard and do right, we are entitled to these things.
This is the Esau perspective on life. For a mere meal, he sold his own birthright for a simple pleasure to which he felt entitled.
Society, and even the Church, is more pleasure-focused than EVER before. George Barna, the Christian researcher, cites:
*We are not a society that simply enjoys its time off. Our leisure appetites drive us.
*It is increasingly common to hear people turning down job offers because the Hours or other responsibilities would interfere with their hobbies, fitness regimens and other free time activities.
*Even our spending habits show that Playing has become a major priority.
** The average household spends more money on entertainment than it does clothing, health care, furniture or gasoline.
**Recreational activities have jumped more than 10 percent in the amount of time given to them. [George Barna, Frog In The Kettle (Ventura, California: Regal Books, 1990), 82.]
What are the motives for our work life? Is it only to gain increased pleasure and leisure time?
Jesus said He came only to do the work of the Father. I am sure that Jesus had times of refreshment in His life that allowed Him to get recharged for the mission God called Him to.
However, He understood the BALANCE of maintaining mission and play.
When we view life with an attitude of entitlements, we are susceptible to becoming disappointed, resentful, and even bitter when our expectations go unmet.
Ask the Lord if you need to relinquish any rights that may be hindering your freedom to experience His love and grace.
Instead of catching negative thoughts and giving them over to God, too many of us choose to “mull” them over in our minds and store them in our hearts.
Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.
The Lord said that HE would give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches in secret places! Stop and ponder……….
I am the light of the world, says the Lord. That light is shining in our hearts even now to reveal the places of darkness where the enemy can build a Stronghold against us and against all that is holy.
The Lord wants us to allow the light of TRUTH to illuminate and dispel the darkness and even the shadows that lurk. This is a work of discernment and faith.
Discernment comes when you can see clearly and with precision.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
The Lord has given you a taste and a glimpse of His Glory, which will make you desire even more if we Spend TIME in our Relationship with HIM!!
It took a while for me to understand the concept of “treasures of darkness”.
I thought, “How can it be a good thing that I have left a life of relative comfort and have no salary or hourly job or means of providing for Laura and I?”
I previously thought-How can this darkness be a treasure????
The darkness became a treasure when: *We realized that we had nothing to worry about.
* We had no need that was not met. *We were getting to know our Heavenly Father through the guidance of His Holy Spirit in ways we never before thought possible.
*We, Together as One, Grew in our Faith, received a Peace and now have a TRUST in our Heavenly Father as never before. Thank you Jesus!
**Truth is, there is always treasures in the darkness, secret riches. And Jesus, our Father who loves us allows the dark times to occur TO draw us into a MORE fulfilling relationship with Him.
Hope Connection and Moving Forward have: Eight Truths, a Result, a Word and a Verse to go together which We Embrace in order to Master Life!
(Here is 2 of 8)
2) I honestly admit and regret that I have failed God, my family, myself and others.
*Result: I receive God’s forgiveness and thankfully rest in His Peace.
*I am “Forgiven”
* Verse: 2 Corinthians 7:10. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.” Or: Psalm 32:5. “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord;” then you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Thank you Jesus for giving US an abundant life. A life where you are our light in the dark. A life in which you are truly enough. Forgive me Lord for thinking and following the ways of the world in entitlements. I was so wrong trying to find Joy in worldly things. Thank you Jesus for loving me and having patience with me through it ALL! You are an AWESOME GOD! Thank you for sending Jesus Your Son for a sinner like me. Thank you that through your Son Jesus, on that Cross, I now have the Forgiveness, Joy, Love, Freedom and Peace that only you can Give and also knowing– it is All for Your Glory! Thank You Jesus for now knowing I have Eternal Life with YOU from this minute through Eternity! Amen