How should a Christian react to the entitlement culture?
Introduction
The phrase "entitlement generation" generally refers to the perception that younger generations or certain cultural groups believe they are inherently owed success, rewards, or respect without having to earn them. The natural human reaction to this perceived entitlement is frustration and judgment.
However, the Christian must remember that entitlement is fundamentally a spiritual problem—it is the belief that one is deserving of good things apart from grace. The biblical response must therefore be spiritual, humble, and centered on Christ.
Main: A Three-Part Biblical Response
Rather than judging the attitude of entitlement in others, a Christian should focus on cultivating three corresponding virtues in themselves and modeling them to the world.
1. Reject Self-Righteous Judgment and Embrace Humility
The greatest danger for the Christian is to respond to others' entitlement with a self-righteous sense of their own deservingness (e.g., "I worked hard for this, and they should too").
Recognize Your Own Sin: The Bible teaches that every person, including the Christian, is not owed anything by God; everything we have—life, breath, and salvation—is a gift of grace (Romans 3:23-24). The root of every sin is self-focus, which is the ultimate form of spiritual entitlement.
Embody Humility: Paul commands us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). This means dropping the critical attitude and choosing to respect and value the person, regardless of their perceived attitude or social standing.
2. Practice Radical Gratitude to Counter Self-Focus
The opposite of entitlement is gratitude. By consistently living a life defined by thankfulness, you offer a contrast that speaks louder than any criticism.
Give Thanks in All Things: The Apostle Paul writes: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A life characterized by complaining, comparison, or frustration will only fuel the surrounding entitlement culture.
Live as a Giver, Not a Taker: Modeling gratitude means acknowledging that every good thing is a gift from God (James 1:17). When you receive a paycheck, a service, or help, express genuine gratitude. This simple act subtly challenges the assumption that resources and services are owed.
3. Respond with Sacrificial Servanthood
Jesus, the most entitled person in history (as the Son of God), chose the path of ultimate service and humility. This is the ultimate model for a Christian response.
Service as Identity: Jesus defined His life's purpose by servanthood: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Instead of withholding your best efforts from those who seem ungrateful, offer excellent service as an act of worship to God.
Love Unconditionally: Entitlement often stems from a deep-seated feeling of insecurity or lack of love. The Christian must not wait for the unearned respect of others, but must instead offer unconditional love and acceptance. This radical grace is what ultimately breaks the cycle of self-obsession and leads people to question their own entitled outlook.
Conclusion
The Christian should not react to the "entitlement generation" with scolding, withdrawal, or resentment. We are all sinners saved by grace, meaning we received the ultimate, unearned gift (salvation).
The most powerful Christian reaction is to model a life where nothing is deserved and everything is received with humble gratitude and given away with cheerful service. This is the essence of the Gospel witness against the spirit of entitlement.
