I said yesterday, we would look at the dangers of not having an attitude of gratitude. Deuteronomy 8, a continuation of Moses’ last words to the Israelites, is filled with warnings: DON’T FORGET!

Don’t forget…by not being obedient:

Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, (Deuteronomy 8.11, ESV)

As you live the good life, don’t forget it was God who gave it to you:

…when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery… (Deuteronomy 8.12 – 14, ESV)

Don’t forget by assuming you generated all your wealth rather than giving thanks to the one who did:

Beware lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.” You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8.17 – 18, ESV)

And the penalty for not being grateful, for forgetting God and not obeying him?

And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 8.19 – 20, ESV)

I know that theologically, we can’t conflate the US to Israel. However, there are undeniable parallels and opportunities to learn and apply principles. We have no reason to expect God’s continued blessing on us as a nation if we forget about him.

Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. (Hosea 4.1, 2, ESV)