The commercial we hear or the radio, or see in magazines and on TV, say a lot about our society and it's priorities. One such phrase I repeatedly hear is, "Get what you deserve." It might be a car, "Surround yourself with the luxtury you deserve," or something as basic as a mattress, "Get the good nights sleep you deserve." In this statement, I believe we have the root cause of the problem of entitlement. Because of who I am, or where I live, I am entitled to certain things. One difficulty that I have with this concept is that in reality we are entitled to nothing. As a Christian, I truly believe that all things are a gift from God. As an American, I know the high cost that was paid to provide for my freedom.
Unfortunaterly we are raising up a generation of children who feel a sense of entitlement. We have teenagers who believe they are entitled to the newest cell phone, or other electronic gadgets. They feel they are entitled to have the latest in clothes. They are entitled to get their drivers license, as well as their own vehicle, once they turn sixteen.
I recall when one of our sons was in 6th grade. He really wanted an Apple computer. He was using an old Commodore computer, but Apple had the latest technology and that is what he used at school. I priced them but quickly determined they we could not afford one. He would not give up, and discovered that their was another brand that was comparable and ran Apple software. It was half the cost. We struck a deal. If he would earn half the money needed, we would pay the balance. It was summer and he found a couple of neighbors who needed someone to cut their lawns. It took him a couple of months, but in time he got his computer. Unfortunately he's had a certain disdain for lawn mowers since then, but that's another story.
What are we teaching our children when we provide them with so much? Are we reinforcing the concept that because of who they are and where they live they too deserve something?
We are teaching them, in moderation of course, the family values that we want them to establish
ReplyDeletewith their families !! Eventually they seam to get it and tone down the flurry of incidents that can be embarrassing !! Also by showing kindness towards them - they grow up and become our friends and in this day and age - many many kids are moving back in with mom and dad and sharing the expenses and nothing wrong with that since jobs are more scarce than ever !! I think a built in gardner, window washer and cook
are essential for longevity - as a former licensed mortician I can testify that people may live many pleasant years with less stress! I
have always maintained that "many hands - make lite work!"...
I totally feel you on this one, Mr. Couser! I cringe every time that phrase is used in commercial advertising. The seminary programmed me (rightfully so) to maintain that the only thing we truly deserve is God's wrath and punishment. Any good thing that we receive in life is truly an undeserved gift from God! This includes anything that parents give to their children.
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