Stepping Stones: Are You More Spoiled Than You Think?

Transformational Thought

Spoiled brats! I don’t hear people today using that phrase as much as I did back in the 70’s and 80’s. Today, the term is more likely to be used when referring to Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan or others with plenty of money who make self-destructive decisions.

We often think a spoiled brat refers to children or teens who have a sense of entitlement. They believe that anything they want is theirs without having to wait, that all good things will happen to them, that nothing painful will happen or will be quickly removed and all made better.

But notice today how many times others or even you yourself act entitled. This includes people who think they and their loved ones should have good health, more money than necessary, an easy job, everyone to like them, a smooth daily plan, an agenda that works out perfectly with extra time to spare, and no one around them making mistakes. Do you see some of yourself in these entitled examples?

We live in an age of entitlement. Everyone thinks they deserve more good stuff. This mindset has led to zillion dollar national debt, loads of foreclosures, and personal debt at record highs. You must constantly counteract the barrage of propaganda telling you that you need more … deserve more. A good way of fighting against the lie of deserving more is by learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Let this world become your classroom. Notice all the blessings you take for granted each day. 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 constantly demand more. 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 God’s perspective.

Today, make a list of all the blessings you do have in your life. To help spur thought, think of those that are disabled, people in third world situations, the oppressed, those who have gone through serious events and losses. Then list why you deserve ... I mean actually deserve... your positive blessings. Give thanks for your blessings, regardless of how small they are. Allow 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 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 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