No I don’t, but I find myself playing that game often…

This being the week of Thanksgiving, we are talking about how entitlement can ruin our sense of joy and thankfulness. When we believe we deserve something, we give up our opportunity for gratitude.

I am convinced that most of our pain comes from unmet expectations. Of course there are circumstances out of our control, but think about a time you have built up an idea only to be let down. It could be a movie, restaurant, our spouse, our ministry; unnecessary pain because we created an expectation that was unmet.

So how do we combat entitlement?

1. Recognize all you have; material and spiritual.
2. Understand that the more we work doesn’t mean the more we deserve.
3. Listen to Paul: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

You are blessed, you are loved. My hope for junior high this weekend is that we can paint a picture of a gracious God who continues to bless us even when we don’t deserve it.

What are you thankful for?

I have some birthday money sitting on my bedside table that is tormenting me.  What should I buy?  What do I want?  I can’t waste it, I only get extra money once a year!

The problem is our society is built on a system that says, “you earned that money, spend it how you want to!”  Because we live in America we think that the more money and possessions we have, our happiness must be directly correlated.  But the American Dream is not the church’s dream.

We are starting a 3-week series this weekend about Materialism and how it impacts our responsibility as Christians.  Here is an overview of where we are going:

• Week1: I want vs. I have
• Week2: I deserve vs. I receive
• Week3: I hide vs. I give

My hope is to begin a conversation that encourages us to follow the gospel instead of the American Dream.  Satisfaction is knowing that you have enough and you don’t need more, let’s make that decision together every single day.

…Satisfaction from Brian Hurst on Vimeo.