May 30, 2009

God helps those
who help themselves?

If by this is meant, that we should not be lazy
as Paul wrote in his warning to the idle…

“For even when we were with you,
we gave you this rule:
‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’
We hear that some among you are idle.
They are not busy; they are busybodies.
Such people we command and urge
in the Lord Jesus Christ
to settle down and earn the bread they eat.
And as for you, brothers,
never tire of doing what is right.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 NIV

If however this implies that we are
to rely on ourselves and not God,
or that there is no hope
for the helpless…

Then this saying,
which does not appear in the Bible,
is the exact opposite of the truth.

Perhaps this says it best…

“Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him…”
- Psalm 37:3-5 NIV

God helps those who trust in Him,
follows His will, is obedient,
and does good according to His Word.