For both of us, Monday is our Sabbath. It is the one day of the week we’re sure to leave reserved for family and rest. We never schedule youth ministry events, programs, or meetings.
Monday is a refuge from the outside world. However, destructive voices can rise up from “within” and we become our own worst critics. Yesterday, we talked about the voice of criticism and today we want to explore another voice.
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Watch and Listen to ALL of the SYMC 2011 General Sessions.
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THE VOICE OF ENTITLEMENT
This is definitely a different voice than we wrote about yesterday. Less criticism and more pride. “I worked so hard yesterday. I poured out everything I had. Surely I deserve [fill in the blank] (something for my efforts). It will be fine to take a hall pass just this once…” (For both of us, it’s usually a hall pass for food…lots of food…bad food…think gluttony).
The voice of entitlement is bold, which is has so much power. All rationalizations need to be puffed up so we can be distracted long enough to buy into the self-deception.
Entitlement moves us far beyond a fair reward or simple celebration. Self-control is kicked off the bus and indulgence moves in to take control.
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Watch and Listen to ALL of the SYMC 2011 General Sessions.
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It’s safe to talk about self-criticism with a friend. Usually it results in instant affirmation, which makes it easier to share the self-beatings. But with entitlement and indulgence it’s more difficult to share, especially if you’re a ministry leader. Those in ministry and leadership positions have difficulty finding a safe place to confess their sins and find comfort and challenge.
Accountability and safe community are essential for youth workers for several reasons. When we listen to the voice of entitlement, we need a place where we can share honestly and receive prayer. Entitlement can lead to a life of isolation and isolation pushes the door open wide to a lot of personal trouble.