Genesis 29-31

“All that you see is mine” (31:43). When Laban reluctantly made a peace treaty with his son-in-law Jacob, he (falsely) declared that Jacob’s wives, children, and flocks by rights belonged to him, implying that Jacob had prospered through deception. Laban’s attitude contrasted sharply with Jacob’s growing awareness of God’s involvement. Jacob’s faith was immature, but he recognized that if the God of Abraham “had not been for me” (v42), he would have nothing.

Sinful pride causes us to claim, falsely, that we can be our own gods. The life of faith recognizes God’s work in us and for us.