It was not your swords or bows that brought you victory. I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build – the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them. – Joshua 24: 12-13

Have you ever heard anyone say “Man, he sure is smelling himself today!” ?

Well, that basically means someone is feeling puffed up and proud because of something they’ve done or something they’ve accomplished.

Or it could mean the person has a general sense of arrogance or entitlement.

But we have to be very wary of thinking too much of our capabilities or even our character.

Why?

Because everything good that happens to us or through us comes from God.

We don’t land our dream jobs because we’re so amazing. We land them because God is amazing.

We don’t have food and a safe place to stay because we’re so practical and prudent.

It’s because God provided those things for us.

Everything we “own” is a blessing from God.

Every success and every bit of wisdom we will ever have in life is graced to us by God.

So who are we to puff ourselves up and beat our chests as though we created ourselves, the earth, and the stars?

Whether we have a little or a lot, we should always be grateful to God for what He’s given us, because He didn’t have to give us life at all.

Today, set a timer for 2 minutes and write down everything you can think of that you’re thankful for, tangible and intangible. If there’s anything on that list that you know you were inclined to take credit for, ask God to forgive you for not acknowledging that the credit belongs to Him.

Be blessed,

Alexia