4 Ways the Attitude of Entitlement Violates Bible Principles

I recently read a story about a college graduate who was hired at a marketing firm in an entry-level position. Despite being new, he believed he should be immediately assigned to high-profile clients and creative leadership roles, saying his degree from a top school “should count for something.”

“When given basic tasks like preparing reports or managing schedules, he complained that the work was beneath him and often did it sloppily or not at all. He also expected praise and perks without putting in extra effort or demonstrating results.”

“His entitled attitude frustrated his coworkers, who had worked hard to earn their positions. They started avoiding him. His manager tried giving feedback, but he brushed it off, saying he “knew what he was doing.” Eventually, the company let him go, not because he lacked skill, but because he refused to grow, collaborate, or show humility.”

The moral of the story is that the new hire sabotaged his own career with an attitude of entitlement. While Generation Z is often stereotyped as an
“entitled generation,” this problem crosses all generations depending on one’s experiences, upbringing, and attitude.

The attitude of entitlement is a problem in the workplace because it leads to unrealistic expectations, relationship conflicts, and a lack of personal and professional growth.

More seriously, however, entitlement is rooted in attitudes and produces actions that are contrary to Biblical behavior.

#1 The Problem of Pride Instead of Humility.

Entitlement is often birthed by an unhealthy, unholy arrogance that has an exaggerated view of one’s opinion, importance, and abilities.

The Bible teaches, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves,” (Phil. 2:3-4). Moreover the danger of this spirit is reflected in the warning in Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, “Humility is the foundation of all virtue. Entitlement is the seed of every grievance.”

#2 The Problem of Ingratitude Instead of Thankfulness.

Typically entitled people are focused on their rights, privileges, and prerogatives. Their conversations revolve around what “I deserve,” or what “I don’t deserve.” They may be upset over what they don’t have instead of being grateful for what they do have.

Entitled people would do well to imbibe Paul’s exhortation, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” (I Thess. 5:18). Regarding material and monetary matters the admonition in Hebrews 13:5 offers an important perspective “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have…”

Vicki Robins was right when she wrote, “Entitlement is the opposite of gratitude.” Or as author Tony Robbins put it, “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears. Entitlement, however, blinds you to blessings.”

#3 The Problem of Selfishness instead of Servanthood.

Entitlement views itself as being served. It sees others as capitulating to their desires, demands, and perceived needs. Such a spirit is inconsistent with Jesus’ example who said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45).

Selfish entitlement can be overcome by following this simple Bible command.
“…through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13).

#4 The Problem of Laziness Instead of Diligence.

Too often, especially in the workplace, entitled employees expect position, prestige, and rewards without the work. This mindset is opposed to the Bible teaching of personal responsibility and accountability, not to mention a good work ethic.

“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied” (Prov. 13:4). And the apostle Paul bluntly stated,
“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).

Author, podcaster, and retired Navy Officer, John “Jacko” Willink once said, “You are not owed anything. Life owes you nothing. You owe it to yourself to work, to grow, and to be better.”

Entitlement not only presents problems in the workplace, it creates disharmony in the home, ruptures relationships, and causes confusion in the church. Its attendant and destructive attitudes crosses all generations and can find its pretense in the hearts of preachers, pastors, parents, employers, as well as young people.

Entitlement’s ultimate antidote is found in obeying Paul’s command to be “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20) and allow His presence to live in your life.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman