When it comes to possessing the land, we can’t just stand around waiting for someone to hand it to us. The same is true for those who are drawn to the work of God in our church and who want to partner with us. When we begin making an impact for the kingdom, and as we start leading others to assist us in claiming the land, we will probably have to remind some people that ministry involves hard work; and if someone is seeking to rise in the ranks of leadership, that person may need to be reminded that positions are not handed out, but earned.
Some people tend to believe that kingdom opportunities should fall right into their lap. Perhaps they were once the popular kid in school. Maybe they came from a well-known family in the community, or were at one time involved in a well-known ministry before joining our fellowship. These individuals may expect influence and opportunities to be handed to them simply because of who they are; or perhaps, demand a position based on past experience and prior accomplishment. These expectations are based on entitlement thinking.
Allow me to share a definition of entitlement: “An entitlement is a guarantee of access to benefits based on . . . concepts of social equality or enfranchisement. In a casual sense, the term ‘entitlement’ refers to a notion or belief that one (or oneself) is deserving of some particular reward or benefit”(1) – and let me tell you entitlement, and the notion of being deserving, is rampant in America.
When Benjamin Franklin stated that people are endowed by their Creator with certain rights such as, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,”(2) he did not have in mind free handouts. The key phrase is “the pursuit.” We are all given an equal opportunity and the freedom to “pursue” these rights and obtain them; and in the same manner, the Promised Land must be pursued in order to gain spiritual territory. Some believers, however, will squander their opportunity, stand around twiddling their thumbs, and meet with defeat.
So, let’s go ahead and get started with verses 14-15 of our passage; and, for a change, I’m going to be reading from the New Living Translation, as I like the way it’s worded for this particular passage.
Some People Feel Deserving (vv. 14-15)
14 The descendants of Joseph came to Joshua and asked, “Why have you given us only one portion of land as our homeland when the Lord has blessed us with so many people?” 15 Joshua replied, “If there are so many of you, and if the hill country of Ephraim is not large enough for you, clear out land for yourselves in the forest where the Perizzites and Rephaites live.”
So, let’s begin by focusing on verse 14. At this point, the people had conquered Canaan; and so, Joshua began dividing the land among the tribes of Israel. The descendants of Joseph approached Joshua demanding more than just one allotment in the Promised Land; thus, demonstrating an entitlement attitude. They claimed to have numerous people within their tribe; therefore, requiring more land. And at first, we might think, “Well this is just logical.” But notice the use of the word “blessed.” “The Lord has blessed us with so many people” (v. 14). In others words, “We’re blessed, so we deserve even more blessings.”
In entitlement thinking, “title equals entitlement.” Favor is demanded based on one’s status or position. It is believed that blessing should equal more blessing. In prosperity theology, for example, some will abuse Matthew 13:12, which says, “For whoever has, to him more will be given.” But this is a kingdom principle that has nothing to do with worldly gain. Entitlement can be based on things such as age, seniority, credentials, family name, and even time served.
Rowland Croucher of “John Mark Ministries” says, “Entitlement is demanding something for nothing and permitting laziness. Entitlement tells you that you deserve what others have because you’re just as important. Entitlement lies to you, distracting you with greed and feelings of jealousy . . . Entitlement can hide behind the guise of equality, yet they hold nothing in common.”(3)
In ministry, people will sometimes come into our sphere of influence feeling entitled to a certain position or rank based on how well they performed in a past ministry, or because they came out of a large and successful church. Perhaps they will demand privileges because they hold a position in local government, or because they’re the CEO of a large local organization. This favor is often sought for some kind of personal motive, such as feeling good about oneself, acquiring money (if it’s a paid position), or gaining political notoriety.
It seems the descendants of Joseph felt entitled to more land because they were a large tribe. Bigger is better; and therefore, bigger must equal blessing! But look at verse 15. I like Joshua’s response, as it was both sarcastic and frank. He basically said, “If there are indeed so many of you, then use the strength of your people to go out there and get what you want yourself.” When he stated, “Clear out land for yourselves,” Joshua was telling them, “You need to work for it!” So, when an individual approaches us claiming entitlement, we should tell them to work and serve, and pay their dues for what they’re wanting.
Neil T. Anderson says, “Oftentimes my students will say, ‘There are no openings to serve at my church!’ My response, ‘Oh, yes there are. They’re probably begging for someone to teach third-grade boys.’ The momentary silence reveals this thought: ‘But anyone can teach third-grade boys. I had something bigger in mind.’ Like maybe an opening in the Trinity!” He continues to say, “Take the opportunity before you and teach those third-grade boys. Decide to be the best teacher they’ve ever had . . . People hearing of your faithfulness and aware of the fruit you are bearing will ask you to consider a full-time pastoral position.”(4)
Anyone called into Christian leadership should realize that they must serve in order to lead, not lead in order to be served. Anyone wanting to be promoted must become a servant and work at it with all their heart. In Luke 14:8-11, Jesus said, “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Jesus is a prime example of the principle of servanthood. Before ever being exalted to be seated at the right hand of God, Jesus first became a servant to all. We read in Philippians 2:2-9, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.”
Motivational speaker Wayne Dyer says, “The ego’s habitual thought-pattern is to say we’re entitled. The fact is, we’re entitled to nothing.”(5) He continues to state, “The entitlement mind-set appears uncaring, conceited, and only concerned with self. President John F. Kennedy’s famous call to ‘ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country’ is a stirring reminder to collectively shift away from a sense of entitlement and in the direction of humility. Here, we’re living from a place of God-realization rather than self-centeredness.”(6) We must instruct those who feel entitled to begin living in a place of humility, and to see themselves from God’s point of view; and advise them to serve and work for what they desire.
Complaining of the Difficulty (v. 16)
16 The descendants of Joseph responded, “It’s true that the hill country is not large enough for us. But all the Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shan and its surrounding settlements and those in the valley of Jezreel. They are too strong for us.”
Here, in verse 16, the descendants of Joseph began complaining of the difficulty, offering excuses as to why they could not clear the land. They sounded like a broken record, stuck in the same rut as their parents who had complained of the inhabitants of Canaan, refusing to possess the land, and therefore perishing in the wilderness (cf. Numbers 13-14). They also demonstrated an attitude that suggested, “Why work for it, when I deserve so much better than that!”
Entitlement is seen here in the “me” mentality. The descendants of Joseph stated that the hill country was “not large enough for us” – “us” being the key word. They were concerned only about themselves. This reminds me of something shared by Pastor Jim Putnam at a conference I once attended in Missoula, Montana. In teaching church leaders how to identify immature believers, he spoke of the “Phrase from the Phase.” Putnam mentioned how people will say things that can tell us where they are in their spiritual journey.(7)
He talks more about this principle in his book called Church is a Team Sport. Some people, he says, are still consumed with self, having what’s called a “me” mentality. He says that “their language often contains phrases like these: ‘I love my group.’ ‘I have never felt so loved.’ ‘I finally found a home’.”(8) He continues to elaborate, “Notice the ‘I’ word used over and over . . . They might also say, ‘I was working in the nursery, but they don’t appreciate me there, so I think I am going to quit’.”(9) The word “us” used by the descendants of Joseph is similar to the word “I,” but instead it applies to a group of people.
Spiritual immaturity is observed in the descendants of Joseph in yet another phrase. They had a “woe is me” attitude, complaining that “they are too strong for us.” The Southern Baptist seminary professor Daniel L. Akin, in commenting on recent graduates, tells us, “We need to work together recruiting our best and brightest . . . Too many sound like whiners rather than leaders, expressing an attitude of entitlement rather than engagement and action . . . Those who really do exhibit godly, biblical leadership with passion, vision, and wisdom should find us willing to invest in them. Leadership is not given; rather, leadership is earned.”(10) Akin says that leadership is earned. The descendants of Joseph needed to work and earn the right to more land; and the same truth applies today for those seeking spiritual territory.
Don’t Cut Them Any Slack (vv. 17-18)
17 Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, “Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. 18 The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.”
What I wish to emphasize here is that Joshua did not cut the people any slack. He basically said, “So, you want more than one portion of land? You’ve got it! It’s all yours! But, the catch is, you still have to work for it!” In Christian leadership, we must “stick to our guns,” so to speak. The Lord has placed us in charge of claiming specific territory for His kingdom, and others are invited to assist us with this great privilege. But, there are times when we will have to stand up and remind people to “take a number,” so to speak; to get in their place in line, put aside their entitlement mentality, and learn a little patience.
Joshua had earlier said, “Clear out land for yourselves in the forest where the Perizzites and Rephaites live” (v. 15). He did not change his former instructions, for he repeated them once again, stating, “The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners” (v. 18). Joshua basically said, “If you want more land, then do as I already told you, and get to work clearing the land and taking possession. Oh, and you must go and fight off some more Canaanites while you’re at it!”
Joshua was not totally strong-handed in his instructions, for he also offered some much-needed encouragement. If someone is having difficulty foreseeing the benefits of serving and working, then we must assist them in visualizing the goal and provide some instruction on how to aim for it. Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, could not focus on the prize ahead, because they were distracted by all the obstacles; however, Joseph encouraged them that they “would” clear the hill country and they “would” overcome the inhabitants of the land.
Time of Reflection
Here’s what we need to understand. Refusing to do the required work, taking shortcuts, and doing a halfway job will result in failure to claim new territory for the Lord. This truth applies to both us and those whom we lead; therefore, we need to instill an attitude of hard work and perseverance and extinguish the mindset of entitlement. We must lovingly guide those who come to us feeling they deserve immediate gratification; and this guidance may involve some tough love as we refuse to cut them any slack. If someone is seeking a position, then we need to put them to work serving, and take some time to see where their heart really lies.
For Jesus, there were no shortcuts to our redemption. When Peter tried to stop Him from being arrested, we read that Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place . . . Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53). As the Son of God, Jesus was truly entitled to all heavenly blessings and divine assistance; but He put aside His right to call on the angels, so that He could proceed with what needed to be done. He needed to go to the cross.
Philippians 2:6-8, in the New Living Translation, says, “Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges . . . He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Jesus gave up His privileges, or entitlements, in order to die a criminal’s death. You see, we are all criminals before God because of our sins. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). All of us must die for our sins, but Jesus died in our place when He was nailed to the cross.
In Matthew 10:38-39, Jesus said, “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Like Jesus, we must put aside our entitlements if we are to bear the cross. In order to come to faith in Christ and receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life, we must be willing to give up some things that God considers to be sinful; and in order to follow Christ on mission, we may have to put aside any entitlements to personal comfort or wealth.
Call it tough love, but it is love nonetheless. God’s love for us demanded that Jesus go to the cross. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” You see, God knows that when we face difficult things and press through, that there are rewards on the other side. When Jesus died for us, the reward for each of us was God’s forgiveness, His mercy and His grace. And when we do the hard thing of admitting our sins to God and confessing our faith in Jesus Christ before others, then it leads to eternal life.
Jesus said, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). Will you put aside your perceived entitlements to the lusts and passions of this life to take up your cross and follow Jesus? If so, I want to invite you to come walk the aisle and pray to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life.
NOTES
(1) “Entitlement,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entitlement.
(2) “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life,_liberty_and_the_pursuit_of_happiness; quote found in the United States Declaration of Independence.
(3) Rowland Croucher, “Entitlement - The Cure,” John Mark Ministries, http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/24832.htm.
(4) Neil T. Anderson, “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” CrossWalk: www.crosswalk.com/faith/devotionals/dailyinchrist/544524.html (Accessed November 30, 2009).
(5) Wayne Dyer, The Shift (Hay House Publishers, 1010), p. 105.
(6) Ibid., p. 105.
(7) Jim Putnam, Church is a Team Sport (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2008), p. 146.
(8) Ibid., pp. 149-150.
(9) Ibid., pp. 149-150.
(10) Daniel L. Akin, “Ten Mandates for Southern Baptists,” The Mission of Today’s Church, ed. R. Stanton Norman (Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2007), p. 19.
