In this article by Selena Zito, Ms. Zito quotes Tom Nichols, a professor at the US Naval War College. Regarding the status of our present-day selfish and self-serving society. Mr. Nichols states:"Entitlement mostly comes from affluence and from the remarkably high standard of living in today’s America, something likely unavoidable when there is so much progress and material bounty. But narcissism is a collapse of democratic values, where every American now thinks he or she is the most important person who has ever lived, instead of being one of many voters in a system based on compromise and moderation. The days of the social contract, in which citizens have obligations as well as rights, seem to be over."
In reading Mr. Nichols' above assessment, not only does entitlement come from affluence and a high standard of living in today's America, but narcissism raises its ugly head as well. Beloved, the only "entitlement" any of us should have is "hell" ..... for if it wasn't for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, we would be nothing more than selfish and sinful humans (Romans 3:9-18,23 NET) destined for that eternal place of torment (Revelation 20:12-15 NLT). Narcissism is a result of our society kicking God out of it (see here) and worshiping the "creation" rather than the "Creator" (Romans 1:21-25 NET).
What's the remedy for the above entitlement and narcissistic mindsets? In addition to our nation repenting of its sins before a righteous God (Jonah 3; Psalm 71:19 NLT), the writer James provides us the answer in James 4 NLT, specifically focusing on vs. 7-8: "humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor."
—Mike Riley, Gospel snippets
Comments
Post a Comment