Entitlement and Privilege

I recently had a chance to talk a medical doctor.
Although common social culture advised against engaging a political discussion, I could not help but to ask him how he thought about the the recent health care reform. And there was a general assumption that the doctor won't be able to make as much money as right now. (Frankly, I don't know the technical details of how newly-reform system will work...it seems though there is a strong speculation that the doctors will not be receiving much benefit out of the new health care system)

He said "A lot of physicians are pissed, but I'm okay with it. I think doctors deserve a good salary, but we are not supposed to make business out of it. My job is to help patients."

Although I was pleasantly surprised by it, at that time I wasn't be able to point out what differences I saw in his answer. What make this man be so humble about his position?
Why is it that he is willing to lose money?

He understood that he is not entitled to a lot of money because he has the ability to heal the sick, but he is privileged to help others.

I live a life as if I am entitled to a comfortable life, caring friends, and a happy family. There are plethora of reasons that cause me to think this way. I'm a decent student. I don't have any criminal records. I generally get along with people, I spend X hours in Church per week, etc.

This sense of entitlement utterly destroys the spirit of thankfulness and humility. I see myself so many times complaining and getting bitter when my life starts getting difficult...when I assume more responsibility...when things does not go the way I wanted to.

But the only thing that I am truly entitled to is 'death'.

Romans 6:23 - "The wage of sin is death."

That is the only thing that I deserve. The only thing. Nothing more or nothing less.
It reminded me that many things that I take it for granted in my life are beautiful privileges.

The education I'm receiving is a great privilege. So many people in this world were not even given a chance to do so, yet I complain how much homework I have to do.

The chance to serve in the Life Group, Pubs Team, Global Access, and Team Community is a privilege, yet I complain how much time I spend serving all the time.

The chance to be part of 90 some residents lives is a privilege, yet I complain when residents start drinking and when my Hall Director throws a bunch of paperwork at me.

It was indeed one very long and tormenting year for me last year, and I have no doubt that this would be another very difficult year.

I have two choices: living in a self-deceived world of entitlement and getting bitter and angry at the world for not allowing me a easy life, or living with the spirit of thankfulness for all the privileges that I was given.