To whom do we give the glory? Do we really believe that we succeed on our own merits? Yes, we work hard, but who gave us the ability and the opportunities?
Moses was warning the Israelites not to become too proud or self-satisfied. The warning continues with what will happen if they leave God behind and rely only on themselves. The warning applies equally to us.
Whatever gifts and opportunities we have been given, they are just that – gifts! We have done nothing to deserve them. We are expected to use them to the best of our ability for the good of others.
It really doesn't matter what our gifts are, and it isn't important if the world doesn't see us as successful. Not all gifts bring fame or fortune.
The good listener can bring comfort to someone who is lonely or in pain. The person who loves people will always find a way make someone's life better.
We all need good cooks, good mechanics, teachers, plumbers, electricians. We can't all be doctors or lawyers, but we need the gifts of everyone in a community if we are going to function well.
We can and should take pride in doing a good job, the problem comes in thinking we didn't need God to do it.
Unfortunately, it is often those who achieve the most success in the eyes of the world who forget to thank God for their success.
There's a popular saying from Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall." Scripture continues to remind us to take heed of Moses' warning.
