Proverbs 11:4: Riches will not provide security in the day of wrath and judgment, but righteousness rescues from death.
One of the dangers in the life of a Christian is self-sufficiency. It’s the idea that we have enough of whatever we need to make it on our own…without God. Ironically this mindset usually develops during seasons of blessings in our lives. During this time we experience success and stability in our jobs, projects, relationships, finances, our health…every area of life. Over time we become addicted to the “spoils” of the victories. In short, we become comfortable, content and confident…in ourselves.
This is the very thing Moses warned the Hebrew nation before they ventured into the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 8:11-14. The comforts of the Promised Land could lead them to forget the Lord and develop a “proud heart”. That mindset was one that made them think and act like they were the ones that produced the wealth by their own hands…without God.
He also warned them that if they got to this state, the same judgement that He brought upon the surrounding nations would be brought against them (Deuteronomy 8:19-20).
Unfortunately, over time this is what happens to us during seasons of blessings. Our comforts give us a false sense of security. We begin to think that we are the ones who made ourselves “rich” and are totally responsible for our “successes”. Our hearts become prideful. It’s not until a “day of wrath” comes upon us that we realize that we are not in control of life and that we need help outside of ourselves.
Have you found yourself thinking that you are a “self-made” man or woman? Are your passions for the comforts of life stronger than the passions for the things of God? Are you setting yourself up for a “day of wrath and judgment”…unnecessarily? Comforts of themselves are not the real issue; its the condition of your heart.
God provided a solution to keep us from getting to this state…righteousness. If we: 1) develop a passion to walk in right standing with God, and 2) express our love for Him through obedience, we avoid unnecessary trouble in our lives.
Keep your heart right before God. Remember it is in Him that you live, move and have your being. You are His child. (Acts 17:28)
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