Counting Blessings or Feeling Entitled?

A famous person seems to be in control of his life.  He is successful and admired by many.  He seems to have life by the tail until the news breaks, and everyone discovers that his life was not what everyone assumed.  He was involved in things that repulse people.  So, before long, the success is a memory.

How many times have you heard about a story like that?  You probably cannot remember because it happens quite often.

And it happens to regular people like us, too.  Someone works hard and is seen as successful, so she is given responsibilities in her business or club.  However, the “power” goes to her head, and she becomes a dictator.  Needless to say, she loses her reputation and probably her new responsibilities.

Proverbs 16:18 tells us that “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.”  Yet few people seem to remember that.

God wants us to be successful.  Success can be a good thing, but success also can lead to pride.  Price is not a good thing.  Just consider the many people who experienced success, became prideful, and had a downfall.  Nations also experience it.

Many people are quick to ask God to help them succeed.  They pour their heart out to Him.  Yet when success comes, they suddenly believe that they are the ones who made it happen.

God gives us talent.  God gives us wisdom.  God gives us focus and direction.  God opens doors for us.  God leads us to success, but God often is forgotten when the success comes.

Throughout the Bible, we see this scenario unfold again and again.  For example, God told Ezekiel to confront the King of Tyre, telling him in Ezekiel 28:5, “By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has become proud because of your wealth.”  Because he failed to turn to God, he faced severe punishment.

I do not want that to happen to me.  I do not want that to happen to you.

Like the old hymn reminds us: “Count your blessings.”  Count them, but be careful to not take credit for them.  Instead, thank God.  And share what He has done in and through you.

When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question.  I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS.  He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads.  He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.

Image Created by Andy Oldham using DeepAI