After a rich young man walked away, Jesus reflected, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:23). There are many reasons for this. The wealthy may feel like they deserve what they have because of their hard work, intelligence, and wisdom. They may feel like they don’t have many needs. There is a temptation of pride and self-sufficiency that comes with wealth.

As Israel was poised to enter the land of Canaan, Moses foresaw some temptations they would face. He warned Israel to remain thankful and dependent upon the Lord, otherwise, “when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God” (vv. 12–14). Their wealth might give them amnesia and they would be tempted to think, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me” (v. 17).

The remedy was to remember. They needed to remember how the Lord provided for their every need in the wilderness. The Lord fed them with manna, sustained their provisions, and guided them (vv. 2–5). Their salvation from Egypt, survival in the desert, and victories over the Canaanites were due to the grace of God.

We can be tempted to allow the gifts that the Lord has provided for us—a job, family, or financial stability—to lead us to a sense of pride or entitlement. Like Israel, we need to remember what the Lord has done. He achieved our salvation and redeemed us from our sin (Rom. 6:23). He sustains our very breath. Remember what He has done, rejoice in thanksgiving, and remain humbly dependent upon Him.

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