Stepping Stones: Are You More Spoiled Than You Think?

Transformational Thought

Spoiled brats! I don’t hear that term as much today as I did back in the 70’s and 80’s. Now, the term is more likely to be heard referring to Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, the Kardashian Clan, or other celebrities basking in opulence.

We often think a spoiled brat refers to children, or even teens, that have a sense of entitlement. A mindset that believes anything they want is theirs without having to wait, or, all good things will happen to them and all painful things won’t happen or will be quickly removed.

But notice today, how many times do you notice in others, or yourself, how many people act entitled. This includes people who think they should have perfect health, all their loved ones healthy, more money than they need, an easy job, everyone to like them, their daily plan and agenda to work out perfectly with extra time to spare, or nobody make a mistake around them. See some of yourself in these entitled areas.

We live in an age of entitlement; everyone thinks they deserve more good stuff. You must constantly counteract the barrage of propaganda telling you that you need more…deserve more. A good way of fighting against such lies to be more thankful is by learn to see everything from God’s perspective. Let this world become your classroom. Let His Word become a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

It’s almost impossible to have a thankful heart when you are in a constant state of wanting. A way to reverse this is to saturate your mind with Scripture: read it, think about it, and memorize portions of it. This will allow you to see things from His perspective.

Today, make a list of all the blessings you really do have in your life. To help spur thought, think of those that are disabled, in third world situations, are oppressed, or have gone through serious events. Then list why you deserve...I mean actually deserve... your positive blessings. Give thanks for your blessings, regardless of how small they are. Go to His word to cut deep into your entitlement. Remember that His word is sharper than any double-edged sword. Let Him use it to do spiritual surgery on the thoughts and attitudes of your mind and soul.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I ask that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude that I have created for myself. Release me from this prison so that I may enjoy the pleasures of a thankful heart. You allowed Your Son to enter this world as an infant…knowing the price He would have to pay. Thank You, Father. I understand why You sent Your Son Jesus to us…You sent Him to ”to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Open my eyes, Lord. I pray that Your Holy Spirit fill me with the gift to understand and spread You Holy Word. Give me a perspective-lift today; help me to see things from Your perspective. I pray to You with confidence in the name of the one who can provide my every need; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
To open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness
Isaiah 42:7

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
Psalm 119:105

For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12