Joshua 17:14
“And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?”
An every generation problem is seen in this verse when the children of Joseph went to Joshua and asked him why they were only given one lot when they felt they deserved more. These people wanted Joshua to give them everything. They felt they were entitled to have their inheritance given to them without any effort of their own. Instead, Joshua turned the table on them and told them if they wanted to get more land, then they needed to go out and work for it themselves. This was great advice by Joshua because this was keeping the people from acquiring an entitlement mentality that everyone should give them what they want.
Just because a person is a Christian does not mean that they are entitled to get everything they want. I have watched many Christians who have criticized the entitlement mentality in people who themselves seem to want everyone to do something for them. In the verses above, Joshua shows how to overcome this mentality.
First, realize that you are strong enough to work for what you want. The people themselves already acknowledged they were strong enough to take the land when they said, “I am a great people.” Friend, you are an able-bodied individual who is capable of thinking and working. Stop having the mentality that you need everyone else to do something for you and start doing something yourself. Don’t let the entitlement mentality steal your vitality.
Second, get up and do something about your situation. Joshua said, “…get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself…” You can either wait for someone else to do something for you or you can get up and take the initiative to do something yourself. Those who are successful in life did not become that way because everyone else did something for them, they became that way because they got up and did something to change their situation. Entitled people will stay in their condition because they want someone else to change their situation when they are the ones who have the power to get up and change their situation.
Third, find a way to overcome your obstacles. The people started giving their excuses once Joshua told them to do it themselves, but he reminded them that they were capable with God’s help to get what they desired. You will always have an excuse for why you can’t do something, but you must be determined to overcome any excuse. Excuses are a restraint from greatness. You can allow excuses to hold you back, or you can find a way in spite of every obstacle and setback to keep on going until you get what you want.
What are you going to do? Are you going to sit and wait for someone else to do something for you, or are you going to take the initiative to find a way to get what you want? It’s truly up to you. The Christian who has placed their trust in God will not want others to do something for them, but they will take the initiative with God’s help to go and conquer by themselves what they desire. Always remember that you are entitled to do one thing: work!
Allen Domelle is the editor of the Old Paths Journal which is more than just a Christian’s publication. It is an excellent place to learn how today’s headlines will forge tomorrow’s laws and statutes. Keep yourself in tune with what is happening around the world, as well as in your own backyard with our daily updates and devotionals.