JULY 19, 2013
Don’t
Forget
Read: Deuteronomy
8:7-18
Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God. —Deuteronomy 8:11
I
don’t agree with those who rail against material things and say that owning
stuff is inherently evil. And I have to admit that I’m a consumer—often tempted
to pad my pile of treasures with items I think I need.
But
I do recognize that one of the dangers of owning a lot of stuff is that it can
lead to spiritual loss. The more we have and the more we feel as if we have all
we need, the more prone we are to forget our need for God and even our desire
for Him. Yet, ironically, everything we have comes ultimately from God, who
“gives
us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).
Sadly,
our enjoyment of God’s provisions might just mean that we end up loving
the
gift and forgetting the Giver. This is why, when God was getting ready to give
His people a life full of bounty in the Promised Land of good and plenty, He
warned,
“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God” (Deut. 8:11).
If
God has allowed you to enjoy material abundance, remind yourself where it came
from. In fact, all of us, whether rich in this world’s goods or not, have much
to be
thankful for. Let’s heed the warning not to forget the Lord and praise
Him for His
abundant goodness.
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
—Rhea F. Miller. © Renewal 1950. Chancel Music.
Love the Giver more than the gifts!
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
