"God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"...Are You Sure?

This past week I stopped to listen to a neighbor complain about all the things in his life that aren't going as planned. He was a victim of his circumstances to say the least, and letting these things win over his victory. He made the statement that he is not a very religious man as far as knowing the Word, but he said, "God helps those who help themselves." Knowing God in a more intimate way, I couldn't let that rest. It is my job to tell the truth when I hear a lie. I immediately responded, "Actually, God helps those who help others." I left him with that thought and went into the house. All I know is that I planted a seed of truth and will pray that this man will be enlightened to it through the grace and mercy of the Lord Almighty.

I myself started thinking about all this false doctrine that we as weak humans have adapted for our own benefit. But, when it all comes down to the harsh facts, we aren't benefiting from this and we sure aren't helping those who need it. I felt led to bring some light on this subject. I pray that it will assist in leading some to a stronger knowledge of what God really says.

First of all, God addresses the wise and the foolish in the book of Matthew chapter 25. If we choose to remain foolish in the things of God, we will miss all that He has for us. For example, Matthew 25:1-13 talks about the parable (an earthly story with a heavenly meaning) of the ten virgins. Five were wise in that they were prepared to meet the bridegroom. This speaks of us in our journey through life. It's our job to know the word of God and put it to use in our daily lives. We Christians know that Christ will be returning for His bride, otherwise known as the Church...you and me. We don't know exactly when this will happen, but we must always be prepared for it. God doesn't wish for anyone to perish due to foolishness. As this parable unfolds, the bridegroom came unexpectantly at the midnight hour. All of a sudden the foolish virgins realized that thy didn't have enough oil for their lamps. Oil represents the Spirit of God. How much oil is in your lamp today? Realizing this, they asked the five wise and prepared virgins for some of their oil. We must get our own while the getting is good.

"But the wise replied, There will not be enough us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for your selves. But while they were going away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut." Matt. 25:9-10 (Amplified)

This represents a missed opportunity. When we hear the truth and choose to do nothing about it we will miss it all. We can shoose to believe in false doctrine as well. Is this really so dangerous? According to God's Word it can mean a world of difference in where you could spend eternity. Let's look further into the 25th chapter of Matthew. Starting in the 14th verse we read the parable of the servants who were all given talents in which to be faithful. The word talent actually means a natural ability. As stewards, God entrusts each of us with our own natural gifts. He gave them to us so that we can better serve Him by serving others. Both men who gained more were equally rewarded by his master. He was looking at their faithfulness, not their results. But the man who buried his and then accused his master of not reaping and sowing had no concept of what being faithful was all about. This man represents someone who is not a genuine believer.

"But his master answered him, You wicked and lazy and idle servant! Did you indeed know that I reap where I have not sowed and gather [grain] where I have not winnowed?" Matt. 25:26 (Amplified)

The master didn't defend himself, he merely allowed the servant's own words to condemn himself. In other words, if this man had truly believed that his master was as hard and harsh as he said, then that was all the more reason for him to be faithful and not be lazy. But there are those today who know that God is love and still they choose to be lazy in their servanthood. They believe that God rewards them for helping themselves. This is untrue!

Again, let's examine God's truth in Matthew. If His Word is misinterpreted then these false beliefs will come about. Beware of people who don't rightly divide the Word of truth. For instance, people may have gotten the idea that God helps those who help themselves from this scripture.

"For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will be furnished richly so that he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have will be taken away." Matt. 25:29 (Amplified)

As mere mortals, our minds are automatically set on personal gains, mainly money and wealth. So it's easy to assume that God will reward those who help themselves. But God is not a get rich quick scheme. What this actualy means is a hidden treasure to those who can hear and understand it.

What God is actually saying in verse 29 is when we inherit His blessings through His divine grace we will also be given His gift of eternal life. But if the person wants to remain unprepared and lazy in his walk with the Lord, he will lose it all, not only what he has gained on this earth, but in the next one as well. We all know we can't take anything with us when we die.

And lastly when we finish Matthew, Christ is telling us that when we serve others less fortunate than ourselves, we are serving Him as well.

"And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me." Matt. 25:45 (Amplified)

So clearly we are instructed to love others as we love ourselves, not to make ourselves more important. God loves everyone and since we are made in His image, we are to set examples of that love. It never was about us or getting ahead. It's when we truly know it's all about Him and striving to be like Him that we will recognize the harm in even saying these ridiculous statements. Learn to discern!

"Therefore, being conscious of fearing the Lord with respect and reverence, we seek to win people over [to persuade them]. But what sort of persons we are is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood by God, and I hope that it is plainly recognized and thoroughly understood also by your consciences (your inborn discernment)." 2 Cor. 5:11 (Amplified)