Amos 6: The Wrong Attitude

One of the Lord's frustrations with Israel is their woefully wrong attitude about themselves.

God's people are proud (vs. 8).  They believe that they have risen to prominence and prosperity through their own strength rather than through the blessing of the Lord (vs. 13).  Indeed, Amos implies that they look at other nations and consider themselves to be better.  "Cross over to Calneh, and see; from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines.  Are you better than these kingdoms?  Or is your territory greater than their territory?" (vs. 2)

The truth is that God's people weren't "chosen" because of their special goodness; they were selected because of Abraham's faith for a special mission to the world.  However, their attitude about themselves is spoiling everything and they are failing in their calling.

Because of their pride and self-sufficiency, God has prepared something evil to befall their nation.  They will lose their place and their land.  Their haughty attitude will be challenged and changed through a nation that God is raising up against them that will come and oppress them (vs. 14).

The lesson for us?  Don't indulge a wrong attitude like Israel.  It cost them everything.