From How People Change by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp
Just as difficulties are to be experienced through our union to Christ, so, too, are good circumstances. They can be as much of a liability as difficulties. When things are going well, we can think we are more favored by God than those who suffer. We can get self-righteous and critical of others as well. God knew the temptation of blessings when he gave Israel a land overflowing with good things. he reminded them not to forget him as they entered the Promised Land:
"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 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, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery...
You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this welth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you wills urely be destoyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed fo rnot obeying the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 8:10-20)
It is tempting to forget God and to grow proud and independent in times of difficulty and blessing. But remembering your union with Christ reminds you that any good thing in yoru life is the result of his mercy and grace, not your own wisdom, goodness, and effort. Any effort we put into our lives began with the strength he gives us and continues because he is committed to us forever!
How People Change. Timothy S. Land & Paul David Tripp. 2006 and 2008 New Growth Press. Page 60.
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