Don’t Be Too Proud of Yourself

Amos 6:1-8

1 What sorrow awaits you who lounge in luxury in Jerusalem,
and you who feel secure in Samaria!
You are famous and popular in Israel,
and people go to you for help.
2 But go over to Calneh
and see what happened there.
Then go to the great city of Hamath
and down to the Philistine city of Gath.
You are no better than they were,
and look at how they were destroyed.
3 You push away every thought of coming disaster,
but your actions only bring the day of judgment closer.
4 How terrible for you who sprawl on ivory beds
and lounge on your couches,
eating the meat of tender lambs from the flock
and of choice calves fattened in the stall.
5 You sing trivial songs to the sound of the harp
and fancy yourselves to be great musicians like David.
6 You drink wine by the bowlful
and perfume yourselves with fragrant lotions.
You care nothing about the ruin of your nation.
7 Therefore, you will be the first to be led away as captives.
Suddenly, all your parties will end.

8 The Sovereign Lord has sworn by his own name, and this is what he, the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, says:

“I despise the arrogance of Israel,
and I hate their fortresses.
I will give this city
and everything in it to their enemies.”

These verses speak to exactly what the Word says in Proverbs about what happens to the proud. We cannot go on with our lives in a sense of preserving self and being taken up with the cares of this world and how it affects us. If we just focus on self and our own preservation we then become arrogant about what happens to those around us and how we can use the resources given to us by God to assist others. When we do this we set ourselves up for failure.

God does not give us what He does for us to consume it of ourselves. We are to share what He has given to us with others. This is not just speaking about the money or financial things He gives to us because He gives us life, breath, abilities, etc. that we must share with others. We all have gifts and talents that need to be shared with others because they are not gifted in the same way that we are and our gifts and talents can edify and provide an encouragement to their lives. When we follow God's direction for our lives He will show us the areas we can serve others and be of a benefit to the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Father I seek Your direction as to where You want me to serve for Your Kingdom. Your Holy Spirit will guide me to make changes where I need to so that everything You have given to me can be used for Your glory and honor. I praise Your holy name and give You all the praise for what You have done in my life and what You will do through my life. Amen.

Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).

Published by Erik L. Vakula
Daily Bread From the Word
Copyright © 2009 Erik Vakula, All Rights Reserved