Sunday, November 2, 2014

Entitlement vs Servant-heart Mindset

A trend had sprouted within society that more and more people are lured into an entitlement mindset.With each generation, we begin to see a growing entitlement mindset and it is also creeping into our churches. Dr. Carol Show in her article "An Entitlement Mentality in Church" describe entitlement mindset as following:

"An entitlement mentality says, “You owe me!” It encourages me to demand that you do something for me, give me something, or treat me in a uniquely special way – just because. And I have no particular responsibility in return." The entitlement mentality can show up in church when we feel “It’s all about me!”. 

The widespread entitlement mindset we have in our churches is truly heartbreaking.  It is such an inversion of God’s Kingdom principles that encourages us to have a servant-heart mindset. Servant-heart stands opposed to the entitlement mentality we see today where the focus is more on our own personal happiness and comfort - "It is all about me" culture.

What is a Servant-Heart? The Bible teaches that greatness in the Kingdom is defined by serving others. Having the heart of a servant is an important component in our spiritual walk with the Lord. In our quest for the marks of servant-heart, we must not bypass that quality which so completely characterized in the life of Jesus Christ, unselfish desire to serve. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The Lord Jesus came as a servant with a commitment to serve. Just think, if He had come to be served, our redemption could and would never have taken place. Likewise, our failure to live as servants throws up a huge barrier to effective ministry as representatives of the Lord Jesus.

We must learn to become a servants if we want to experience true fulfillment. We need to become lowly, meek and humble. As God's servants we should have no other agenda, except to do His will. When we become faithful to do His will, then He will fulfill the aspirations He desires for us in our lives and even those things we desire! As God's faithful servant — we share in His success, we have direct access to His power and wealth and are able to walk in His authority! Let’s get our hearts in servant mode and watch how God brings about all the things we need and want.

Teach us o Lord today to have a Servant Heart.