DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – JULY 4TH 1776 We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
ENTITLEMENT:
There is this spirit or attitude we see in the world today that says, “you owe me.” I deserve it, and shouldn’t have to do anything to receive it.
I don’t want to pick up my check or go to the voting booth, just mail it to me. I don’t want to leave home or be inconvenienced.
What entitled people don’t seem to care about or understand is, someone else must provide what they are expecting to receive.
When you feel someone owes you and you keep taking, that is called THEFT (taking something that is not rightfully yours). It is something that someone else earned that you feel you have a right to.
For example, Social Security from the government is not theft. They are not giving you something. You paid for that.
In fact, you gave money to the government in good faith, and they spent/misappropriated it and you’re only hoping they will somehow figure out how to get all your money back to you.
PROMISE:
A promise is different. Entitlement you do nothing.
There are UNCONDITIONAL promises to the believer and there are CONDITIONAL promises.
Conditional promises involve a PROCESS. It involves or requires ACTION.
Joshua 1:3 God told Joshua…. “I will give you every place you put your foot on, just as I promised Moses.”
The key to this promise is PUTTING YOUR FOOT ON IT.
God provided manna for the children of Israel, but they had to go gather it. If not they would not have eaten.
So you have to leave the house and take some action. (one can’t remain in their recliner watching TV or playing video games.)
WHILE I AM ON THIS SOAPBOX LET ME CONTINUE..
HERITAGE VS. INHERITANCE
So mom and dad worked hard, sacrificed, and disciplined themselves to have what they now possess. They have acquired over the years nice things and have money set as for an inheritance. All this is good…BUT
Some children are just waiting for their parents to die so they can receive their inheritance.
Something they didn't earn but was provided for them.
So often parents become ENABLERS. They give their children things and don’t require their children to sacrifice or be disciplined.
What I believe first needs to be given to the children is the STORY of their heritage. As parents, we tell them how we got where we are, and how we acquired what we have. As well tell them what they will have to do to get and enjoy the things they see us now enjoying.
MEMORIAL STONES... You might remember the children of Israel were told to set up stones at places of their accomplishments so when their children asked… “What are these?” you tell them how the Lord brought you to and through many things in order to BE HERE.
If we don’t tell them, teach them, and require them to be disciplined or sacrifice… Then they will possibly grow up expecting to receive with little or no effort what we worked hard for and how God blessed our efforts.