Selective Forgetfulness

“When you eat and are full and build beautiful houses to live in, and your herds and flocks grow large, and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases, be careful that your heart doesn’t become proud and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.” (Deuteronomy 8:11-14 CSB)

We have all probably heard of “selective memory.” Generally, husbands are the ones who seem to get accused of that. But there is also “selective forgetfulness.” Ever heard of “foxhole Christians?” These are folks who jump into a bomb crater or a hole they have dug in the ground when bullets are flying and artillery shells are exploding around them in order to keep from being killed, and who then pray, “God, if You will just keep my alive, I will serve you all my life.” Then, when the war is over and peace rules, God is nowhere in their vocabulary, much less their life.

The wanderings in the wilderness were difficult for the people of Israel. Life for them was anything but easy. But the time would come when their bellies would be full, when their wealth would expand, and when life would be good and peaceful. God knew that would be a danger point for them, when the pride would raise its head, and when the people would be tempted to “selectively forget” all that God had done for them. Therefore, God warned them to lose the pride and remember ALL that God did for them, so they would then continually walk in His commands and decrees.

There is a reality we need to be in touch with. The next breath we take is the grace of God at work. Every breath is. There is nothing we are and nothing we have that did not come from the blessings of God. We owe Him everything, and, in fact, it is all His anyway. This reality should then lead us to a thankful heart, remembering that our Lord is the One who provides everything for us.

Lord, Today, help us to remember that You are the One who provides for us and sustains our lives. Apart from You, we are little more than the dust of the earth, but with You we know the full joy of life. Amen.