More than ever our culture is caught in a web of irresponsibility & self-centeredness. - Billy Graham in Storm Warning
I read this quote the other day and it really got me thinking. There is something in today's culture that has given us a sense of entitlement. I wish I could pinpoint exactly what the change was as I see it everywhere - even within myself. And for me at least, it's making me tired getting caught up in it.
There are celebrities that continue to act like the laws don't apply to them. Kids who think the world belongs to them just because they were born. Then in the workplace people complaining about how work treats them. When in reality, work treats them exactly for what they were hired to do. Their job.
Jobs, friends and colleagues by no obligation have to give us any perks. We receive what we work on and deserve. End of story. Every thing else after that is (for lack of a better word) "benefit". We shouldn't turn the benefits into the expected, or we will find ourselves disappointed...repeatedly. Don't get me wrong, I love me some benefits and I feel I deserve them because I work hard everyday and I like when the company shows they appreciate me by giving me perks and I always would appreciate more of them. BUT, these can't be the reason I walk through the door everyday.
I'm not gonna lie, I catch myself getting caught up in the banter, it's so easily done. It's when I get home at night and reflect on how I was raised. Never would my grandfather have approved. Especially since I have people reporting to me...I should not pass the attitude along. Then I look at my 6 year old daughter...with who I am trying to instill within her that she only gets and deserves what she works for. I fail miserably at this, but at least I try...right?
Maybe that's the problem, we stop at "I Try". Maybe would should use "I DID" or "I AM". Going forward I AM going to work harder on my Family, Friendships, Job and Attitude so that I in return receive the same in return and try to stop the disappointment. Have your work, character, children speak for you rather than speaking for yourself.
Do you find yourself getting caught up with a sense of entitlement?
I wrote my comment, and it got deleted when I had to sign in. Blah. I will try again. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely. It irks me to no end when people act as though they deserve the moon handed to them just because. I admit I too am guilty of feeling entitled at times, and benefits are always wonderful, but I KNOW that I do not deserve anything I have not worked for. That's why I aim to work hard and why I love being busy. I was raised to earn my keep. Exhert yourself, and you will be rewarded.
My goal is to live by this verse:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:23-24
And that's my two cents.
I AM going to spend more time reading Em Sweeney's blog. Good stuff, Em. :)
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