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IMHO, it's laudable to bear one's own burden. Even with that point of view and actionable experience, events in our lives might not be so favorable for all people in society.

On the contrary, there is nothing in Scripture promising a perfect physical environment prior to the second coming. One popular misconception is to think that if one works hard at improving his environment, one's future is secure in retirement and old age. A far more valuable lifelong goal is to remain in fellowship with God through faith in Christ in all things.

It is interesting to note that every time Satan suffers a fall in Scripture, he is first surrounded by perfect environment, yet even when Christ Himself didn't have a place to lay his head to sleep, He nevertheless was provided with His needs by the Father.

One study in predestination regards the doctrine of logistical grace. Another study concerns providential testing and momentum testing of our faith in Him.

Consider what Christ endured physically and thoughtfully on His way to the Cross. God has predestined a plan for each of our lives in eternity past. By remaining faithful to Him, we are able to be at the right place at the right time to fulfill His providential grace. When we fail and sin or disobey His will, we simply leave rewards on the table in heaven as eternal memorials of our stupidity in sin.

It might be the case that those who only live for the moment, harvest the whirlwind of their foolish decisions prior to the first death. Also possible are many situations where our fellow man might be in need, due to no fault of his own, but merely an opportunity or testing of how we have advanced in our thinking to respond to any situation in life. The issues of sin have already been settled through faith in Christ. Issues of good and evil in the angelic conflict are still being evaluated and our response to them through faith in Him provides opportunity for receipt of those predestined awards in heaven.

I've witnessed those who he loves, with substantial resources and more capacity for worldly growth, lose everything of this world, yet still are without want living in joy from His providence.

I've also witnessed those who reject him, heap treasures for their retirement, living very miserable lives in luxury where every fleshly and worldly desire has been made available.

Lazarus and the Rich man is an outstanding example of joy and misery in such predicaments.

I agree with what you've said - the point of the New Testament basically being, as Christ said: Love your God with all you heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

Now if you want to get into detailed lessons, you left out the Parable of the Talents. That speaks exactly to what the personal responsibility people are trying to get across. Invest wisely, trying to earn in your investments. If you don't you bear, and deserve, the consequences.