Don’t Forget Where You Came From
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Deuteronomy 8:11-14
Take heed lest you forget the Lord your God, by not keeping his commandments and his ordinances and his statutes, which I command you this day: lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
In other words, don’t forget where you came from! These verses offer us an excellent warning not to become too satisfied with ourselves and with what we have accomplished or acquired. It’s all too easy to become complacent and to start believing we are somehow responsible for our own good fortune.
This admonition doesn’t discount intelligence, hard work and thoughtful planning. Not at all! This is simply a reminder that once you get where you were headed, don’t forget to look back with gratitude and thanksgiving. God sustained you along the way. He is the one who made a way for you in the world. God is responsible for your intelligence, fortitude and abilities. Rather than become self-absorbed and prideful, we are to bow down with humility and awe that God would love one such as us.
The other danger to us once we have achieved great success, is that we forget who we were before we got to the mountaintop. It’s all too easy to forget who we left behind, and who we surpassed on the journey. Now is the time to extend a hand, offer a word of comfort, to give of our time and talents to benefit others.
One way to stay grounded is to participate in a small group of some kind. A bible study, Sunday school class or service group is a great way to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. These groups also facilitate relationships based on a shared set of beliefs. I have been a member of the same Sunday school class for about 10 years and participated in a women’s week night bible study that has met for about 2 years. These folks are the ones who keep me accountable. They’re the ones who have shared my journey with me.
We have many opportunities for community through our church – everything from tutoring ESL students one night a week, to our prayer shawl ministry, to domestic and foreign mission trips, to feeding the homeless, and on and on. If you don’t attend a church it can be difficult to form relationships that will nurture and support your faith.
A recent trend toward workplace ministry is being recognized as a benefit to employees, but also to the bottom line for businesses. Some companies are realizing that employees who are spiritually grounded are probably happier, have a healthier outlook, are less likely to defraud their employer, and also are less likely to short-change the company in terms of work performed.
The bottom line is that no matter where you are in life, God is there with you. He has been there from the moment you were conceived, and He will be with you when you breathe your last breath. He waits for you in heaven to greet you with loving arms.
My prayer today is that you offer up everything you are and everything you have to God in heaven, certain you will be rewarded 100 fold for your faith. And that you share you life, your time, your possessions and your faith at every opportunity.
Mary
