………

I deserve this.

How many times have we thought that?  How many times have we said it?  And lets’ be real here for a minute; It’s all too easy for us to do. 

The scary thing is, it doesn’t get any easier when you believe in God.  In fact, being a Christian may actually make you feel more entitled to deserving things.  At least if you look at how most of us act.

It seems to me that I meet far too many Christians who think they are entitled to things.  Whether it’s a belief that society should follow Christian values or that our lives should be free from pain, our sense of entitlement is profound. 

Even saying “well I’m a good person” shows just how deep our entitlement runs.  Because you aren’t a good person.  None of us are.  We all fall short of God’s standards.  It’s not as if we fall just a little bit short.  We aren’t even close.  We fall pathetically short. 

This is why Daniel’s actions are so interesting when he’s given the choice of eating unclean food (for Jews that meant ceremonially clean food, not unwashed).  He simply says to the King’s attendant, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.  Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” (Daniel 1: 12-14)

He doesn’t ask for special treatment.  He doesn’t say, “But I believe in God, I should be treated differently.”  He says, “Let me earn your trust.”  

Daniel responds to the Assistant’s fear.  Not by powering up and being angry and demanding.  Not by being bossy or condescending.  But by being willing to earn his trust.

How differently would Christians be perceived if we acted that way all the time! 

As you go forward this Holiday season, let me ask you one question: How would Christmas look in your family if you didn’t act with a sense of entitlement, but simply said, “let me earn your trust”?