Entitlement

Ahh, a “third rail” topic that seems to be in the news on a daily basis. Yes, there are many in this world that believe that because of something that has happened to them or their family over time, that they deserve something from others. There is no question that it is a sensitive subject, but one that doesn't exist in many areas that we serve.

I read an article recently that there were groups of people that wanted to receive financial compensation for something that happened to their ancestors hundreds of years ago. The very concept of this was interesting because if you actually believe that this is justified, then you also are of the opinion that the ancestors of those that caused the situation are thus liable to pay for their ancestors as well. I don't know about you, but trying to address the past in this manner seems to be a series of “chasing your tail” issues and it distracts from what can be done today.

There is no question that we must learn from history, but we also must remember that we cannot change it. We can change today, tomorrow, and the future. That's my focus and the focus of our team at MMI. The people we serve are actually not looking for help, in fact, many have all but given up hope. They don't want handouts, they want to be treated like a fellow human being. This all falls into why at MMI we actually charge the poor. What? You charge the poor? Yes, its not a lot, but it is to the those that pay it. It also provides those we serve a chance to have an investment in themselves. This investment insures that they appreciate what services they receive.

We never turn anyone away and there are some that just have nothing and we take care of them too. There are examples of places around the world where people have thrown a lot of money at a problem, only to see those that are the recipients do nothing with the investment and then expect more. It's really sad, and unfortunately we see this in the western world as well. The sense of entitlement is rampant, and it makes me wonder how those that believe they “deserve” something for nothing came to be.

God has given us many examples throughout the Bible of how those that were blessed used the gifts for good, and those that wasted their blessings. He gave us the intelligence, resources, etc. what we do with them is up to us. Those that want something for nothing, I admit, I don't get it. Each one of us have skills, blessings, and gifts from God and it is my sincere hope that as many of us as possible can join together to help those that can't help themselves. I don't deserve anything I have, but am thankful to God for the gifts and will seek to use them to make a positive impact on the world.