Should Christians ever have entitlement?

When does entitlement bring ruin—and when does it bring power?

Entitlement is only bad when it’s earned.

That’s the realization I’ve come to after sitting with this tension:

Is all entitlement bad?

I hate bad entitlement. There’s too much of it in our world. Too many people demanding respect, renown, and “what’s due them”

Bad entitlement is rooted in pride.

It’s the belief that because of who I am, what I’ve done, or how hard I’ve worked—I deserve more.

And it ultimately positions us against the grace of God. (“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6)

But what’s good entitlement?

There’s a sense in which there is a place for entitlement in our lives. Because after all, we are sons and daughters of God.

So what’s the difference between good and bad entitlement?

Bad entitlement is rooted in our accomplishments.
Good entitlement is rooted in God’s accomplishments.

God entitlement doesn’t boast in the self—it boasts in what God has done.

We’re not confident in our accomplishments.
We’re confident in His promises.

We’re not proud of our resume.
We’re confident in his power.

Bad entitlement will wreck your soul. Good entitlement will anchor your identity.

So here’s the question:

Where in your life are you walking in the wrong kind of entitlement?

And where are you missing the confidence that comes from what God has already given you?

You were made for goodness,
Phil