Entitled?

Today I started a new Beth Moore Bible study on the book of James.  Last summer our pastor taught on James.  Man...it hit home!  And I said one night at flock "I think God may have me camp in James for awhile."  Over the past few months I've read in James quite a bit.  And when the opportunity came to do this study, and it fell on a Tuesday (my only full-day for Clara), I knew I really needed to do it. 

So today was the introduction.  And Beth is introducing James and a little history.  And of course, she dives right in.  One thing she said really struck a cord with me.  She said (not an exact quote), "Jesus didn't come bringing entitlement.  He came bringing mercy and grace."  Ouch!  So, the Son of God didn't bring an air of entitlement.  The One and Only who deservedly is entitled brought grace and mercy?  So, our Savior didn't come feeling He was entitled.  He freely gave grace and mercy.  He met with those who needed Him.  He didn't feel he should be driven around in a certain model of donkey?  He didn't fuss if he didn't have 800 thread count sheets on his pallet on the hard floor?  He didn't have a pity party if he didn't get into the school he wanted?  Or get to be in the teacher's class he wanted?  Or be in the small group with his friends at Bible study?  So, does this mean he wasn't offended if someone cut in front of him?  What about if he did some awesome miracle but the story got bumped from the news because of a Charlie Sheen story?

Beth reminded us that Christ didn't come to be a public figure.  He came to be a personal savior.  He did miracles because someone needed a miracle.  Not so he could be noticed or become more famous.  So...if we are representing Christ, don't we need to imitate him?  Shouldn't we approach everyone with grace and mercy...not a sense of entitlement?  Should we give freely and generously, as Christ has given to us?  Even if they aren't "deserving"?  Since I'm certainly not deserving of anything God has done for me.  Beth Moore made a profound statement, "I don't just want to be what I've been delivered from.  I want to be who I am delivered to!"  Amen!  We need to be delivered TO someone, not just FROM something! 

At dinner tonight we discussed a little about entitlement.  We live such an entitled lifestyle.  Think, really think, about what we take for granted that we are entitled to.  Why do my kids get to go to school, but millions of kids around the world don't?  Why do I sleep in a warm bed with a full tummy?  But millions go to bed (and I use that term lightly) hungry everyday.  Those are some of the obvious things.  If you really think about it, what else do you really feel entitled to?  I was humbled and ashamed as I thought about it.  I'm overwhelmed by God's grace and mercy that He has generously poured on me!  Lord, please help me to be mindful, each day, of your grace and mercy in my life.  And please, help me each day to give more and more and more grace and mercy to others.  Don't let this lesson be something I forget in a few days or a few weeks.