Full Denial

(Proverbs 30:9 KJV)  Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

My father used to ask the question, “Why wasn’t I born rich instead of so good looking?”  I repeat it to the kids at school on occasion.  It is amazing how many people have no sense of humor.

Have you ever wondered why God did not “bless” you with wealthy parents or with a business sense that made you genuinely wealthy?  This passage give us a hint on the reason:  We could not handle it.  We would not be good stewards of wealth.  I think if I had piles of money that is just how it would be, in piles.  Remember the cartoons of Scrooge McDuck and the room full of gold coins?  That would be me.  I can be so tight I squeak.  I would squirrel away what God wanted me to give away.  This would be disobedient.

This is a truth that we don’t like to admit when we get excited about the promises of prosperity and success.  When we are “full” (7646) we have a tendency to “deny” (3584) the Lord.  This means that we refuse to recognize our dependence on Him.  This is why Jesus taught about the rich man and the camel through the eye of the needle.  When we live in a situation that allows us to supply our needs, or seem to, we forget our dependence and get real cocky.

So?  Go to work.  Pay your bills.  Tithe.  Find a worthy charity.  Help people.  Be thankful that God has promised to supply your needs, not your wants.