Not Entitled - The Wesleyan Church

Do you . . . not [realize] that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Rom. 2:4)

Expanded Passage: Romans 2:1-11

Within the past 24 hours, you’ve likely encountered someone who felt entitled, or you’ve read something on social media that portrayed a person with a strong sense of entitlement. Entitlement is the sense that someone is owed certain rights and privileges because of who they are, because of who their parents are, because of the color of their skin, because of the level of education they have obtained, or because of the level of their annual income, etc. The entitled believe they inherently deserve specific privileges or special treatment. When one’s entitlement has convinced them that a violation can be overlooked or winked at because of their status or privilege, the sound of gnashing teeth erupts from those who sense that justice has been undermined.

Due to their unique status with God, the Jews believed they were entitled to be treated gently when it came to their immoral shenanigans. The Jews could not afford to think they were entitled and could sin with impunity just because they were in a unique, covenant relationship with God. While God is kind, he does not wink at stubbornness. Because of their unique, covenant relationship with God, the New Testament Jews felt entitled to act with impunity. While God was kind, he did not ignore their stubbornness.

God’s kindness is intended to lead to a change of heart. Unlike some parents who have little backbone standing up to their entitled kids, God will administer a conclusion that does not favor the entitled, but is wise, appropriate, and fair.

Do not misconstrue the kindness of God for slackness.

Ed Rotz has served The Wesleyan Church as a pastor and district superintendent. He currently works for PastorServe, Inc. and lives in Topeka, Kansas with his wife, Sharon.