The Center for Disease Control works hard to prevent outbreaks influenza and other viruses. Without their efforts, far more people would get seriously sick and die. But is there a way to reduce the spread of self-centered behavior that causes harm to one another. The example of ancient Israel can help us see God’s take on what drives this attitude. Using the Prophet Micah, God showed pain when people enjoy His blessings, yet fail to recognize Him as their source. We read this in Micah chapter 6: “O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against his people.” The prophet then lists God’s vital blessings He has given the people: deliverance from slavery, guidance and provisions during the wilderness, and giving them the Promised Land. Still, they had stopped worshiping and obeying God. God urged them to recall His past blessings and let that motivate them to trust and obey Him. Today, unless we regularly recall and give thanks for God’s blessings, we fall into the trap of admiring ourselves while abandoning faith in God, the true source of all we are and have.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
