As I reflect on what is happening in my country on this very day my heart is grieved for hopeless individuals who seem to believe they will change our economy by blocking up streets and parks in cities all over America.
Today, November 17 2011, marks 2 months that the members of the Occupy Wall Street Movement have been protesting. This is a collective group of people from all kinds of backgrounds coming together to “stick it to the man” so to speak. They call themselves the 99%... the underprivileged....the have-nots...etc. They are dwelling in the poverty line and they see no hope. They look at the wealthy and only see all of the injustice.
Young Adults make up a large percentage of those participating in the movement. My generation is known for being active in fights for social equality, rights of the people, and movements in general. There is something about this generation that desires, to borrow the phrase from Blake Mycoskie [founder of Toms], to “start something that matters.” They are “revivalists” in some regard. Taking a stand on injustice.
This can be a good thing....on the flip side it can also be bad. Though it is noble to stand up for what you believe in and be the voice for those silenced by injustice, one must be careful not to slip into a mindset that says-- “Life is not treating ME FAIRLY. I DESERVE better. This is not what I WAS PROMISED. I want what THEY HAVE.”
This is what is called an entitlement mindset and can be a slippery slope if it is entertained in one’s mind for too long. Once we begin to believe that we are the victims of some great injustice we begin to see the world through a lens that is constantly looking for others to treat us unfairly.
Entitlement.
That is the mindset I see over not only this particular movement but over a generation.
I’ll tell ya what we are entitled to--- DEATH, ETERNAL DAMNATION, A LIFE OF MISERY.... oh goodie! NOT! I’ll pass on what is rightfully mine and embrace the grace covering of Jesus Christ. He came so that life DOESN’T HAVE TO BE FAIR!
Grace simply put is getting what we don’t deserve.
So as for this movement I pray that individuals would experience the Love of the Heavenly Father. That they would realize life isn’t always fair, and that is actually something to be grateful for. Lastly, that they would find hope and lasting peace in the one who has a track record never to disappoint...unlike Wall Street.
Hope.
Peace.
Grace.
