The Worldview of the Entitlement Generation

The Millennial generation (that is, those born roughly between 1977 and 1992) is saturated with the entitlement worldview.  This worldview goes something along the lines of this: I am basically a good person.  Because I’m basically a good person, I should be awarded as such, which means that all the finer things of life, the things that I want, are equal to the things I deserve.  They ultimately become a right.  To a certain extent, even a savior.  (With this view it’s no surprise that this generation is being hit the hardest during the current economic challenge.)

As Millennials finish college and move into their careers, I see this pervasive worldview slowly infiltrating reality, including the professional and ministerial world.  Of course, the challenge to this worldview is that it’s not reality.  In fact, the world is a very tough place, a very self-centric place.  Trying to live life in the “real world” with the entitlement worldview would be like calling the power company and telling them you deserve electricity because you’re basically a good person.  I wonder how far that will get you.

The Church needs to realize that we’ve played a role in creating this entitlement generation.  We should be teaching the fact that our hearts are desperately wicked (Romans 3:23) and apart from Christ we deserve the full measure of our sin and iniquity, which equates to death and damnation in everlasting hell (Romans 6:23).  Without understanding the desperate need for redemption through faith in a Savior through the person of Jesus Christ, this generation is left with an empty sack of tremendous discouragement, manifest anger and disappointment that leads to depression.

So, what can we do?  We can begin to identify those who are holding that empty bag and begin to encourage them and gently instruct them in the fact that the very root of their belief system is incorrect.  We can pray more diligently.  We can encourage ministerial leaders who feel called to this generation to reach out to them.  We can befriend those in the workplace and encourage them to see things from a biblical view.  We can take the time to understand why they think the way they do.  If we as Christians don’t reach out to this generation, who will?

About Michael Stickler

Michael Stickler is a highly gifted author, philanthropist, horseman and internationally sought-after conference speaker. His all-time bestselling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the Principal of Leadership Books and writes for many international publications.

His 2017 best seller, Cliven Bundy American Patriot, reveals the truth of what is known as the “Bunkerville Stand Off.”

And, now his 2019 book Life Without Reservation, is charging up the best sellers list! For the first time in his long career he is working on his first fiction book Ghost Patriot to be release in 2021.

You may also contact Mike at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule him for speaking or leadership engagements.