When touring Alcatraz Island, formerly a United States federal penitentiary, we were amused to see Regulation #5 differentiating entitlements from privileges. Although our children are grown, we still bought a Regulation #5 magnet. Just in case we needed it you know.
Anyone who deals with others but especially with children, has at some point dealt with an entitlement attitude and a “but that’s not fair” accusation. Many of us, myself included, have even had an entitlement attitude. Perhaps even used the words “but that’s not fair!” How often I have felt slighted in some way by others, ignored, not allocated my “due”. And not just by others but also by God!
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
I forget I have received eternal life. The “entitlement” of belief. If that were not enough, God in His mercy and great love also bestows so many privileges: prayer, forgiveness, rain, revelation, trees, whales, grandchildren. Some come as a result of loving and following Jesus, some are given to the “just and the unjust.”
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23
Just Sayin' 