One thing wrong with some of my generation and most of the next is they think they deserve respect. Well, the way I was taught, that is something that is earned. Back when my parents were young, they didn't get things handed to them, they had to earn them. (I was taught the same thing) That goes for material possessions and respect. Respect was something that you had to give in order to receive it...period. I recently had an encounter with someone who I once respected, at least a little. Needless to say, that respect is now gone due to the behavior exhibited. It's crazy to me how people think everyone should respect them because of their age, experience or even a title...sorry, doesn't work that way, at least not for me anyway. I guess the only thing that I can do here is to try to teach my children and others from their generation why respect is something only reciprocated when it is first given.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14,16
2 comments:
The entitlement mentality you describe, I would argue, pervades virtually every aspect of our culture. People self-proclaim their "rights" to various things including free access to the internet. It has crept into American Evangelical Christianity to the degree that people believe God owes them something. Here the metaphor with your example breaks down because, unlike the respect of our fellow man, we can't earn anything from God. However, the sense of incredulity felt over those who display an attitude of entitlement regarding respect should be compounded when it regards an entitlement to the grace and mercy of God.
I agree, it has found it's way into just about every area of people's lives. My question is, what will it take to reverse this mentality when pastors and other leaders are perpetuating it within the church?
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