The lie of "I deserve this"
9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9Bible Reading
Proverbs 7:13-15
13 She seizes him and kisses him; she brazenly says to him: 14 “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I sought you, and I have found you.
The trap in these verses is subtle. The woman claims she has fulfilled her religious duties. She feels justified. She feels she deserves a night of fun. This is the thought pattern that can kill a GPA. You study for one hour and think, “I deserve three hours of gaming.” You attend one class and think, “I deserve to skip the next one.” This is the math of failure. True excellence does not keep score of the cost it has paid. It keeps looking at the goal set before it. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He did not stop halfway. Do not let entitlement rob you of the reward of completion.
Action Point
The next time you think, “I deserve a break,” check your timer. Have you done deep work? Push for 15 more minutes.
Prayer Point
Lord, remove the spirit of entitlement from me. Give me the spirit of a servant. Let me find joy in the work, not only in the break. In Jesus’ name.
Reflection Point
Is my rest earned, or is it stolen?