THE AGE OF VICTIMIZATION
Terrance Dickson of Bristol, PA closed the door from the house as he stepped into the garage. Flipping on the switch to the garage door, he discovered it was malfunctioning. The door into the house was locked. He was trapped in the garage.
Here’s an important detail. The owners of the home were on vacation and Terrance Dickson was robbing them. He remained stranded in their garage for eight days and survived on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food. Upon being freed, Dickson sued the homeowner’s insurance company, claiming the situation caused undue mental anguish. The jury ruled in his favor, granting Dickson half-a-million dollars in damage.
There’s a word that describes the mentality of someone who would pin the blame of their misfortune on homeowners they were robbing: “Victimization.” It’s the deplorable mental state one sinks into, where they attempt to blame anyone or anything else for their misery. “It’s not my fault” is the victim’s mantra, as they refuse to accept responsibility for their life. Blame society, the government, the economy, or the police. And if all else fails, your parents have a huge target painted on their backs. In contrast, scripture teaches that God holds each of us accountable for our individual actions (Romans 14:12).
“Life’s not fair.” Isn’t that what our moms said when we complained about unjust treatment? It’s true. We’re not all dealt the same cards in life. All we can do is play the hand we’re dealt. There’s a day coming when God will level the playing field and “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). All injustice and inequity will cease. Meanwhile in this life, He declares, “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
God’s desire is for us to reach out in compassion and love those who are stuck in a victim mentality. One way we express that love is speaking truth to help free them from their victim mindset. Victimization and entitlement are self-destructive mental cesspools that permeate our culture, destroying our freedom faster than a bullet dipped in axle grease. Let’s remember, we are all created in God’s image. Let’s refuse to adopt a victim mindset. Let’s speak truth to those stuck in this bondage. And if you’re ever trapped in a garage for eight days, thank God for the bag of dog food (and hope that it’s Alpo).
Principle: A victim mindset destroys our freedom.
Promise: A day is coming when all injustice and inequity will cease.
Ponder:
In what ways might I be clinging to a victim mentality?
Who do I know around me that I can reach out to and help free from this destructive mindset?
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to areas of life where I see myself as a victim. Set me free from this bondage and show me how to help free others.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Romans 3:19-26.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional.