James 2:19 ..."Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

Often the enemies of God's people in the Old Testament knew of God's workings, and had a varying degree of respect ...those who knew well also respected more. 

And strangely ...yet, not so strange if you think about it, is the fact that those who were His people often faltered more in their respect than those who were not His people.

This is because there is a difference between following because of your beliefs ...and following out of desire.  The others may have believed in what they'd experienced, but had little desire to change their ways and join God's people.  Yet, God's people were tempted by the desires ...which would lead them from following their beliefs.

We often teach our children to appreciate what they have ...and not to take it for granted.  

And if we are wise, and know it ourselves, we teach them that Jesus granted them salvation.