It's all about me!
Afford: To have the financial means for; bear the cost of; to manage or bear without disadvantage or risk to oneself.
Entitled: Qualified for by right according to law; to furnish with a right or claim to something.
Just because I can afford something doesn't mean I am entitled to it--especially at your expense. For example, take something simple like my parking a brand new 2006 $75,0000 Range Rover in your parking space and ignoring your request not to do so. There's an underlying belief that if I can afford it, I am entitled to it, like oil and gasoline.
Entitlement seems to be a huge misconception in the United States and particularly in the Bay Area. We think that because we have the means to buy something that we are entitled to owning, possessing and consuming it, often with disregard for others. Society seems to reinforce this thinking only allowing it to take deeper root in our subconscious. This can lead to gluttony and a disregard for other human beings and the world's resources;this thinking and behavior is irresponsible.
The two lines are blurred. This isn't about the evils of wealth and money-- it's about the misconception that wealth and money entitles one to consume freely even at the expense of others.
6 Comments:
It's funny you should write this today...
Last week, I shared with my bible study group, what the spiritual discipline of simplicity means to me as I try to live this discipline out in my own life.
When I suggested that many of us buy "more car", "more house", "Ect", than we truly need, I found that this idea was met with much resistance.
This was the prevailing comment within the group:
"We work hard for our money and should be able to spend it any way we want."
Sense of entitlement? Boy Howdy YES!
At first I was very disappointed by this; but then I remembered that each person must find their own way down this path and that I must trust God to guide them.
If God uses me to help light the path, than I am grateful!
In writing this Rick, you help light the path,and for that I am also grateful.
Thanks for your comments.
I am guilty and have much to learn in this area.
Thanks
like my hs english teacher always said...
money isn't the root of all evil, the lack of it is...
Good food for thought. I wonder if our entire country feels entitlement compared to places that have very little or nothing. We take so much for granted.
I know what you mean - and am just as guilty of wanting more of what I already have! In the autumn the Bishop of Maidstone did a series of 4 lectures on culture, consumerism and Christianity, making the point that the western world is, as you put it, of the mind set of just because I am able to, I should do. Those who have nothing often have the greater closeness to God, more joy and more faith. But we also have to be careful of the martyr syndrome - just because we are Christians doesn't mean that we are all called to give away everything so that we then have to rely on handouts. If we do that then we risk becoming a parody and a bad example.
I think that makes sense.
haven't been for a while (limited pc access) love this series. when I'm back home (next weekend) I'll take a closer look at this. It already spoke but my head is full of seminary stuff . exams every day this week. Weds Thurs Fri
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