Entitlement

Often we who call ourselves Christians are taking so much time being offended, that we take little thought to the ways the things we say and do might be offensive to other people.

As American Christians, many have come to believe that we deserve certain things. One case in point is all of the controversy resulting from two simple words, Happy Holidays. It seems that many people are offended when they are not greeted with the terminology that specifically lines up with their faith.

One thing we need to remember is that, lo and behold, not every person believes the same as we do. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, each one wanting to be respected for his/her own.

The Lord we serve is a gentleman and does not attempt to coerce anyone into anything; nor should we.

In a world where people are being murdered for their faith, it seems a huge misdirection of energy when we as Christians take offense so easily and spend time concerning ourselves with such trivialities. An excessive focus on such things tends to remove peoples' focus from what's important, and can cripple the good work that God has planned for our lives.

Of the two greatest commandments Jesus spoke of, the second is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)

This is far easier to do when we take the time to see things from another's perspective. We are His servants. Only the Lord can change hearts. Our part is to live lives surrendered to Him, being moldable as He breaks down our worldly stereotypes, prejudices, and anything else that hinders us from accomplishing the purposes that He has for our lives.

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

Do you remember where you were when He found you? Who you were? I don't know about you, but nothing humbles me more than that. It helps me to remember what I'm really entitled to.

Death. "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23)

Thankfully, though, there's more...

"...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, encourage the broken-hearted, and pray for all, doing everything to bring glory to His name.

If we do these things, then the specific words used in holiday greetings won't matter nearly as much.

Nor will we need to spend our money on Christian t-shirts, crosses, and bumper stickers. And it won't be necessary for us to share "I am a Christian, and not ashamed" links on FB.

If we live lives surrendered to Him, then we won't need to seek justification through specific words and symbols.

People will see what doesn't have to be said.

That He is truly enough.