Naturally we don’t want to stay in the wilderness any longer than necessary as we humbly cry to God to lead us into our promised land. And we’re deeply grateful when he showers us with his many blessings. But often we soon forget the true source of our blessings, and we become puffed up as if it was our doing all along.
Perhaps this is why God doesn’t always give us everything at once – instead giving us each day our daily bread. This calls us into an adventure in which we must keep our eyes on him.
But this risk of pride and forgetfulness remains. Of course, this is not our intention and it’s often only with 20/20 hindsight that we see how far we’ve drifted.
For instance, God blesses us with a job that seems perfectly made for us and more than enough to meet our basic needs. At first, we’re humbled and extremely thankful, and we’ll continue to say so even once our true appreciation starts to wane. In time, we start to take our job and accomplishments for granted. And when it’s time for a promotion, to expand our territory, or to shift roles altogether, we no longer seek God’s provision. Pride has subtly snuck in and now we believe it’s up to us to make things happen.
Of course, we’re to grow and mature, and faithfully accomplish the things God has given us to do. And it’s not pride to simply embrace the fullness of strength he’s given us to display. But we must not forget the author and perfecter of our faith.
And this is true throughout our life and relationships as well. We must regularly return our hearts to God from whom all blessings flow.
In the end, freely enjoy the many blessings God gives you. And don’t let pride cause you to forget who gave it to you in the first place.
Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash
