5. Christian Entitlement

Maybe it's the fact that Christians "belong" to the creator of the universe, but have you ever noticed that many who claim to be followers of Jesus believe they are entitled to more than anyone else, including other Christians? Perhaps since most contemporary American Christians live in contemporary America, this selfish mindset comes naturally to those who happen to attend a local congregation of believers. Whatever the reason, I find the egoistic, "it's all about me" mentality rather disturbing.

Recently I spoke at a small gathering at another church which involved eating (of course!) as the first part of the evening's program. My speaking was to be after the meal. After the prayer for the food, the "Amen" signaled the beginning of the feast. It seems that most people jumped to their feet, pushed in their chairs, and rushed toward the tables of food all at the same time, similar to when you throw in a handful of food into one of those fish ponds. Everyone was scurrying toward the food like they hadn't had a decent meal in weeks.

Due to the layout of the room more than one line formed, meaning that one line of people had to merge into the other line in order to get to the food. It was like trying to merge from an on-ramp onto a bumper-to-bumper freeway at rush hour. People in the "main" line would inch forward, not looking at the merging line. Of course I was in the merging line, and felt like one of those guys who stands by the side of the road with a handwritten sign, begging for a handout. The people in the other line pretended not to see me as they shuffled toward the paper plates and utensils. Wow, all this so that they could keep their place in line to get their food to get back to their seat? Why not a little courtesy, putting others first, especially the guest speaker? :)

It's not just the feeding of the body of Christ that brings out the selfishness, but also the seating of the body of Christ. Next Sunday morning, try sitting in the seat or pew of a self-centered Christian and see what degree of wrath falls upon you. Nothing makes a church guest feel more unwelcome than to be told,"You are sitting in my seat." That's a great witness, huh?

We minister types aren't immune from self-centeredness. Oh no, we're right there in the middle with our selfish congregants. I've heard other ministers complain that their gift during pastor appreciation month in October wasn't as nice as it used to be. Some don't tithe because they feel they aren't getting paid enough as it is. Many ministers feel that their congregants are obligated to give them discounts, if not free, service or goods. Granted, many good-hearted parishioners are more than generous when it comes to taking care of their church staff. But when the staff comes to expect this, that bothers me.

Another thing comes to mind: tipping. Using the guise of good stewardship, too many Christians leave lousy, if any, gratuities to wait staff at restaurants. It's embarrassing to witness someone at Sunday lunch who is rude to the waiters, complains loudly, then refuses to tip. And you can tell they just came from church beacause they are all dressed up in the Sunday finest. It saddens me.

Be content with what you have.

Think of others more than you think of yourself.

Be generous.

Aren't these biblical concepts? Then let's not be just hearers of the word, but doers as well.

And next time, try leaving a 20% tip when you're in a restaurant. Who do you think needs that extra dollar or two, you or the one whose been standing on their feet all day?