A welfare mentality, characterized by an attitude of entitlement, is a dangerous mindset that can infiltrate a Christian's relationship with God. Over time, long-term welfare recipients may feel they deserve help from others and become offended if they do not receive it or if it is suggested they should seek work or learn new skills. This attitude of getting something for nothing is the antithesis of God's way of giving, of outgoing concern, and of esteeming others better than oneself. Such entitlement can manifest in behaviors like failure to recognize God-given blessings, laziness, sponging off others, rarely helping others, making excuses for one's financial state, expressing contempt for menial jobs when unemployed, or having unrealistically high expectations. Rather than believing others owe us something, we must acknowledge that the only thing we truly deserve is death. As Christians, we are forgiven and set on the path toward God's Kingdom, with the promise that He will take care of our needs. We must receive with gratitude what God provides and focus our efforts on seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness, ridding ourselves of the despicable notion propagated by satan that we deserve a free ride. Therefore, we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Entitlement, as reflected in the misuse of welfare, reveals a troubling character flaw among some recipients. If individuals on welfare are using it to purchase luxury items such as smartphones, lottery tickets, new tattoos, illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, new cars, cable TV, and Internet access—items not essential for survival—they are taking advantage of others' generosity. Such behavior suggests a form of stealing, exploiting a system meant for those truly unable to survive without assistance. Reports indicate that in states where work is required to receive food stamps, the number of recipients has significantly dropped, implying that many may avoid work out of laziness rather than genuine need. Historically, government assistance of this kind did not exist until about a century ago, and even then, it was not part of God's design for societal support. Instead, caring for the indigent was a family responsibility, with no governmental welfare system or taxes assigned for such purposes by Him. When family support was unavailable, needs were met through slavery or voluntary aid from local communities, reflecting a stark contrast to the modern sense of entitlement seen in some welfare recipients.

The reaction of government union employees to budgetary cuts reveals a deep-seated sense of entitlement. They appear unwilling to share in the economic struggles of their cities, counties, states, or nation, choosing instead to bail out when personal sacrifice is required. Unlike soldiers who endure pain for the nation's sake, these workers seem to believe that their compensation from public funds is an unassailable right. This attitude reflects a broader reluctance to sacrifice, as they push the burden of economic hardship onto others. In contrast, we must consider whether we are entitled to all the blessings God is capable of bestowing. A time of sacrifice is approaching, and we must prepare mentally for the likelihood that such demands will be made of us by a higher authority.