How can we ensure gratitude and humility in times of abundance today? Opening the Text “ But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you became fat, bloated, and gorged! Then he abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15) What Happened to Jeshurun? • “Grew fat”: material blessing multiplied • “Kicked”: self-willed independence surfaced • “Abandoned…scorned”: worship shifted from the Giver to the gifts The pattern is clear: prosperity without vigilance breeds spiritual amnesia. Shared Warnings across Scripture • Deuteronomy 8:10-14 – enjoy the land, “be careful that you do not forget the LORD.” • Proverbs 30:8-9 – riches can lure us into saying, “Who is the LORD?” • Luke 12:15-21 – the rich fool stored up goods but was “not rich toward God.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – the wealthy must “not be arrogant,” but generous and ready to share. • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Heart Checks for Today 1. Remember the Source • Every paycheck, promotion, and possession is traced back to “the God who made” us (Deuteronomy 32:15). • Daily articulate specific thanks (Psalm 103:2). 2. Build Rhythms of Generosity • Firstfruits giving (Proverbs 3:9-10) counters self-indulgence. • Regular, cheerful sharing (2 Corinthians 9:7) keeps wealth moving outward. 3. Practice Simplicity and Fasting • Periodic abstaining from comforts realigns desire (Matthew 6:16-18). • Simplicity in lifestyle testifies that Christ, not abundance, is treasure (Hebrews 13:5). 4. Serve the Vulnerable • Hands-on ministry with the poor (Isaiah 58:10) punctures complacency. • Seeing need firsthand fuels compassion over conceit (1 John 3:17). 5. Invite Accountability • Let trusted believers speak into spending, saving, and motives (Proverbs 27:17). • Corporate worship and small-group life remind us we’re part of something bigger than ourselves (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Stay Rooted in God’s Word • A steady diet of Scripture keeps the heart tender (Psalm 119:11). • Truth confronts entitlement before it blossoms into rebellion (Romans 12:2). Living the Lesson Abundance is not the enemy; forgetfulness is. By consistently thanking God, stewarding His gifts, and immersing ourselves in His Word and His people, we guard our hearts from the fate of Jeshurun. Gratitude thrives, humility deepens, and the Rock of our salvation remains the center of our story—no matter how fat the pasture gets. |
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