No One Owes You Anything

Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
~Job 42:1-6, KJV ~

If we can assume that no one is going to help us, we start to help ourselves.
Mind. Blown. We are actually capable of doing things ourselves without the *expected aid of others. It’s that very expectation that leads to a lifetime of entitlement, becoming soft (in every sense of the word), and consequential complaining about the fact that no one is helping out that no one wants to acquiesce because its whiny.
~ No One Owes You Anything – Jason Loebig ~

There was a man who had found himself living in a compact car. All belongings stowed away in bins. He found himself with an opportunity to work as a janitor. This person was not happy about his circumstances. Was not impressed with the Christian Charity of those around him. If you were to ask him what he was unhappy about, he may have responded with despair: “Everything!” He’d even go into a sermon on how unjust it was for people claiming to be Christians stay any help and support he needed. He’d divulge the various struggles and sufferings endured. Awful things people have said and done to him. Difficulties he had in moving out of the present situation. He was anger, bitter, and resentful. All the while he maintained an outward appearance of good health, good personal hygiene, and enjoyed himself on the weekends. He had his escapes. Everything would be alright if people provided for him, helped him out, supported him, and offered some form of Christian and Human charity and kindness. His resentments and bitter unhappiness stifled his relationship with God.

Who is responsible for where you are at and who is going to be responsible for getting you out of your own suffering? #BeofGoodCheer

Tweet

One night, a gentleman listened to this man’s protests, ramblings of unjust treatment that was going on. Without any judgment and condemnation this gentleman made a simple statement: “No one owes you anything.”

The conversation lulled and both men parted. This man was left to his own thoughts as he finished up his janitorial duties. What an offensive thing to say to someone – No one owes you anything. Yet, as the man walked across the parking lot and sat in his car: a quiet and audible voice crashed through his thoughts. Jolting him to a greater awareness and realization. A simple and thought-provoking question – Who is responsible for where you are at and how did you get here? Who is going to be responsible in getting you out?

A simple truth many of us forget. We establish unrealistic expectations on God and others to rescue us out of our predicaments. These unrealistic expectations turn into frustrations, disappointments, resentments, envy, and bitterness. It stifles the voice of God and our relationship. We inevitably create our own sufferings and prevent ourselves from moving beyond.

It was early 2000’s and I was the man living out of a compact car on the back part of a Christian Church parking lot. Today, many of still believe that people owe us dignity and respect. Owe us any form of human kindness. Job realized this when he became aware of his lack of understanding regarding God. Yes, Our Heavenly Father can do anything – do we have the courage and the faith to trust in that simple truth? What expectations are you holding onto that has continued your own personal suffering? What disappointments fuel your own resentments and bitterness toward others?

Today’s Prayer and Meditation

Heavenly Father, help me recognize when I am placing unrealistic expectations on others as well as on you. Give me the spirit of discernment to be mindful of my thoughts and recognize that any and all disappointments lead to frustration, anger, envy, and condemnation due to my unrealistic expectations. I know that through Christ, I am able to endure. However, it is not up to anyone to carry my burden and work. It is up to me to step forth and walk in faith and humility to endure. I pray in Jesus Name, Amen