What steps can prevent pride when "your silver and gold increase"? Setting the Scene “and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied,” (Deuteronomy 8:13). Moses is warning Israel that prosperity can quietly inflate the heart. God’s antidote is woven through the surrounding verses (Deuteronomy 8:11-18) and echoed across Scripture. Why Pride Creeps In • Wealth can create an illusion of self-sufficiency (v. 17). • Comfort dulls memory of past dependence (v. 14). • Abundance shifts affection from the Giver to the gifts (Luke 12:15). Step 1: Remember the Source • “But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). • Build a daily rhythm of thanksgiving—verbally acknowledge every promotion, dividend, or raise as God’s hand (James 1:17). • Keep a written “God’s provision timeline.” Re-read it when new income arrives. Step 2: Keep the Story Fresh • Moses says, “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way” (Deuteronomy 8:2). • Tell your testimony often—at the dinner table, in small groups, with children. Recount seasons when money was scarce and God was faithful. Step 3: Practice Generous Giving • “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). • Decide on a percentage that stretches faith; increase it as income grows (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Direct gifts toward Gospel work and the needy—generosity dethrones greed (1 Timothy 6:18). Step 4: Honor God Publicly • Israelites brought offerings to the sanctuary; their giving was visible worship (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). • Share testimonies of giving, not to boast but to spotlight God (Psalm 34:3). • When praised for success, redirect credit immediately: “The Lord enabled this” (Psalm 115:1). Step 5: Stay Accountable • Invite trusted believers to review budgets or business decisions (Proverbs 27:17). • Give them permission to ask hard questions about lifestyle creep. • Celebrate together when choices reflect stewardship over status. Step 6: Pursue Eternal Perspective • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). • Schedule regular fasting or simplicity days—intentionally step away from luxury to reset affections. • Memorize passages like Matthew 6:19-21; revisit them when tempted to measure worth by net worth. Where This Leads Following these steps guards the heart, keeps Christ at the center, and turns silver and gold into instruments of worship rather than trophies of self. The result is the “good foundation for the future” promised to those who are “rich in good works” (1 Timothy 6:19). |
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