Do not say in your heart, after the LORD your God has thrust them out before you, “It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,” . . . Deuteronomy 9:4
Working in jail, with those whose lives are in a state of perpetual disaster, it’s tempting to become condescending. Sure, I’ve struggled with my own addiction, but I’ve been sober for 10 years. These inmate’s lives are still a mess and they show no sign of turning around any time soon. So, it’s easy to become rather impressed with myself as I look down on them. I got sober. I’m quite the success story. What’s wrong with you? Don’t worry. I’m here to point you in the right direction. God has sent me to help you. I’m a big deal. In fact, God is lucky to have me. I wrote a book, you know. . .
That is, of course, a bit over the top. None of us consciously says such absurd things. Still, it’s all too easy, when comparing ourselves to those less fortunate, to think more of ourselves than we ought. When looking upon the misfortune of others, it’s even tempting to think that we deserve our good fortune. Maybe God just loves me more. You may find that ridiculous, and it is, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not tempted to think that we’re better than others and that God has blessed us because we deserve that blessing when others don’t.
This is the kind of thinking which God warned the Israelites of in today’s passage. In it, God spoke through Moses, cautioning his people against an arrogance that claimed a right to God’s grace. God knew that as he blessed the Israelites, they’d be tempted to flaunt that blessing, condescending to those around them. God loves us more than you. He’s on our side. We must be a big deal.
The truth is, I’ve had so much given to me in life that those guys in jail haven’t had. I had loving parents who didn’t neglect me. I wasn’t dealt a hand of abuse and severe mental illness. I’ve had so many blessings that I never earned. Yet still, in my blessed life, I like to think that I got here on my own. That, of course, is absurd. Everything good in my life has been given to me by the grace of God, not because I deserved it. I don’t know why God has blessed me in ways that he’s not blessed others. All I know, is that I should remain continually thankful and humble. Thank you, God. I know I don’t deserve your love and grace, but I’m profoundly grateful for those things.