Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Entitled?

I attended devotional yesterday, which yes, I do realize was yesterday, but it was so good and I wanted to comment on it. I loved the topic that president Clark chose to speak on: the poison of entitlement. This is something my Dad lectures on a lot as he observes this poison in many of his patients and I'm sure his children. Generally it is one of those around-the-kitchen-table conversations along with those about cadavers, C-sections (he's an OBGYN) and the definition of greek words (he's... intellectual). So I guess President Clark was following the wisdom of my dad in addressing this topic.

Entitlement is the opposite of gratitude, which is an ingredient of humility. This means that with entitlement comes pride, vanity and selfishness. I have noticed, both in myself, and multiple colleagues that this sense of entitlement creeps in fast when we fail to remember just how fortunate we are to be attending BYU-Idaho. It is offensive to me when a student complains about the cost of something on campus - particularly concerts. Generally, student tickets range from $3 - $10, which is incredibly inexpensive anywhere you go. First of all, it is a choice to attend these activities, not a requirement and they are placed their for the entertainment of the community and the students. When some 70 percent of every students tuition is paid for by the church and almost every service is free on campus including: all tutoring, gym use, sports, exercise classes, mock interviews, resume improvement, etc. it seems extremely petty to complain about small costs for entertainment. I hope that as a campus, we all remember that we are entitled to nothing. On the contrary, we really have so much to repay.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for your profound thoughts. I actually read this this morning and it totally has been keeping me thinking all day. I need to be better at not feeling so entitled to everything--especially your constant attention, but I just get so jealous of Rexburg some times. :) Just kidding, but on a more serious note, thanks for your thoughts. I really did and do appreciate them. Munch!

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