Tag: luck

The Dangers Of Forgetting God In Prosperity (Deuteronomy 8:7-20)

Brent Pollard

“But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today” (Deuteronomy 8.11 NLT).

In today’s world, self-sufficiency and autonomy are highly valued. But Deuteronomy 8.7-20 reminds us of our reliance on a higher power. Moses used this passage to warn the Israelites before they entered Canaan, and it teaches a valuable lesson for individuals and nations: the dangers of forgetting God in times of prosperity.

Humans often overlook and take the natural world’s consistent and predictable patterns for granted. When we receive everything we require from the natural order, we may mistakenly believe our success and sustenance are solely due to our efforts or luck. We fail to recognize the divine orchestration underlying the natural order. This passage encourages us to look beyond the natural laws that govern our daily lives and recognize the divine hand that propels these laws forward.

Moving from direct divine provision in the wilderness to self-sustained agriculture in Canaan represents a spiritual journey. It depicts a shift from visible reliance on God toward a faith-based partnership. As we live, success may tempt us to forget that our progress results from working with divine will and instead take sole credit for our efforts. This forgetfulness can cause alienation from our spiritual source, arrogance, and a false sense of self-reliance.

Many civilizations rose to great heights throughout history but eventually collapsed when they abandoned divine principles. The text warns us that ignoring God’s role in our success leads to spiritual decay, which frequently precedes physical and societal decline. The Canaanites and Israelites serve as stark reminders of what awaits those who choose to live without acknowledging God’s authority.

In an increasingly atheistic society, where people prioritize “science” over spiritual beliefs, it is critical to acknowledge God’s presence in all aspects of our lives. Our achievements and the beauty and order we see in nature are not solely the result of human effort or natural laws but rather evidence of God’s grace.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, Deuteronomy 8.7–20 reminds us of God’s omnipresence and benevolence. Remembering God during times of prosperity promotes humility, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. Let us strive to keep God at the forefront of our minds and recognize that every blessing, no matter how small or insignificant it appears, is a testament to God’s unfailing love and provision.

What’s the call to action? How can we apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 8.7–20? Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there any areas in which you may have overlooked God’s role? Try something as simple as keeping a gratitude journal to record God’s providence. Also, consider ways to work with God to bring about good in the world. Instead of waiting for adversity to remind you of your need for the divine, strive to live each day with a conscious recognition of God, who is the source of all your blessings (see James 1.17).

The principles outlined in Deuteronomy 8:7-20 hold significance for individuals and our communities, cities, and nations. In this secular and complex world, it is crucial to have a place where people can gather and celebrate their shared values, including faith. Coming together can cultivate wisdom, kindness, and cooperation in these spaces. Let us consider this timeless advice as a guide that reminds us that we cannot achieve true prosperity unless we are at peace with God, ourselves, and each other, not just in material terms.

“WINNING THE LOTTERY”

Neal Pollard

One of the most recent lottery winners, Jesus Davila, Jr., has an interesting backstory.  He once spent 12 years behind bars for the manufacturing and selling of cocaine, a felony.  This week, he claimed $127 million after taxes.  Sounds like a rags to riches kind of story, doesn’t it?  It is interesting, and not a little sad, to read about some past winners of the lottery:

  • Ibi Roncaioli was murdered by her husband after giving $2 million of her $5 million dollar prize to a secret child she’d had with another man (businessinsider.com).
  • Evelyn Adams won twice, in 1985 and 1986, winning a total of $5.4 million. She gambled it away in Atlantic City and lives in a trailer park today (ibid.).
  • Willie Hurt won $3.1 million in 1989, but spent it all on a horrible crack addiction, divorced his wife, lost custody of his children, and was charged with attempted murder (ibid.).
  • Victoria Zell won $11 million in 2001, but went to prison convicted of a drug and alcohol-induced car collision that killed one and paralyzed another (theatlantic.com).
  • Abraham Shakespeare won $31 million in 2006. He disappeared in 2009, after having spent most of his fortune. He was found under a concrete slab in 2010, a woman accused of fleecing him for nearly $2 million charged with his murder (ibid.).
  • Jack Whittaker, already wealthy when he won $314 million in 2002, suffered too many calamities to mention here, but they include the death of his granddaughter and daughter and being sued for writing bounced checks to casinos. He was quoted as saying, “I wish I’d torn that ticket up” (ibid.).
  • Bud Post won $16.2 million, but squandered it.  His brother was arrested for hiring a hit man to try and kill him. He died of respiratory failure in 2006, living on $450 a month and food stamps. He once said, “I wish it never happened. It was totally a nightmare” (cleveland.com).
  • Jeffrey Dampier won $20 million in 1996. In 2005, he was kidnapped, robbed and murdered by his sister-in-law and her boyfriend (ibid.).

To say there are mountains of additional, equally pitiful stories is to understate the matter.  Certainly, not every one who wins the lottery winds up on skid row or in the morgue because of it.  Yet, neither is it the panacea one might believe it to be.  How many others, who can ill afford to play, squander money on a regular basis in the hopes of striking it rich?  The overwhelming majority will never achieve that, but even many that do wind up worse than before they won.

In the ever-elusive search for happiness and satisfaction, mankind will come up empty when looking to material things for the answer.  Jesus taught that it’s a hollow pursuit (Mat. 6:19).  Paul says not “to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).  Jesus warned that your life does not consist of your possessions, even if you have an abundance of them (Lk. 12:15).  The good news is that there is a true treasure, one that never disappoints, that never depletes, and will never go away.  Peter calls it “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…” (1 Pet. 1:4).  Strive to “win” that!

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