Psalm 105:44-45 he gave them the lands of the nations,
and they fell heir to what others had toiled for–
that they might keep his precepts
and observe his laws.

God is incredibly gracious and generous, but His gifts always have the purpose of drawing us into right relationship with Him. As has been said, He’s more interested in our character than our comfort. Failing to understand the purpose of His bounty, or the purpose of His discipline, gets us into a lot of trouble. When it comes to bounty, often we make the mistake of thinking God has nothing to do with it, that it’s all a product of our own labors. We fail to understand that it is God who provides the circumstances and the abilities that result in our having abundance. (Deuteronomy 8:18) The other side of that is thinking that we are entitled to all the good stuff God gives us, not recognizing that it’s grace from start to finish. On our own, we aren’t entitled to anything! The news recently has been filled with the results of a distorted sense of entitlement, from the Wall Street protesters who want everything handed to them on a platter to the Japanese corporate chairman, the grandson of the founder, who was just arrested for blowing massive amounts of corporate funds on personal gambling. As today’s passage says, God’s gifts are to teach us to obey Him, not to be proud or lazy.

I haven’t always maintained a steady course on the correct side of this issue. I have been conceited because of the abilities God gave me, and I have expected God to drop things in my lap without my working for them. Neither attitude has turned out well! As a pastor, I need to teach others the truths God has taught me through His Word and through my mistakes, and I must always be careful to apply those truths personally in my own life. I know too well that just because God has taught me something doesn’t mean I always follow it! That said, I am to be gracious, compassionate, and patient with those under my care, because we are disciples together of the same Lord, and we all have room to grow.

Father, thank You for Your abundant provision in every area of life, from finances to abilities to friends to time to everything. Help me make the use You intend of each thing as a faithful steward, growing as You desire into the likeness of Your Son, my Lord and Savior, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!