Do you believe that God help those who help themselves?

Answer 1

Non-believer

"God helps those who help themselves" is probably the most often quoted Bible verse that actually is not in the Bible. In fact the Bible teaches the opposite. God helps the helpless.
Isaiah 25:4
4For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall. (KJV)

Romans 5:6
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (KJV)

In terms of salvation, everyone is utterly helpless. We are all infected by sin.
Romans 3:23
23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (KJV)

All are condemned as a result of that sin.
Romans 6:23
23For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)

Nothing we can do on our own can remedy this situation.
Isaiah 64:6
6But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV)

Answer 2

Some of the hardest workers don't make anything in life. While easy jobs like acting, modeling, and sports make loads of money and are living it up. Of course some might say “those jobs are not THAT easy”, well sure until you compare it to other jobs. Lets see be a mechanic that works in 100 degree heat through out the summer time, gets to deal with bitchy costumers who expect things done NOW, and at the end of the week bring home a 250 dollar check because business was slow. Or....get a nice cool trailer to hang out in till they call you to the set, say some lines over and over then demand a break because your hot and you want something to drink, you know bottled water shipped in from some country because it coast 4.99 a bottle but taste like the same thing from the tap, but it most be better because it's 4.99!! Not to mention the millions of dollars they make, per movie. Choices...

In other words my answer is no.

Answer 3

That's actually a very go-getter type of attitude... more or less an excuse for being a little greedy. Nobody can speak for God, but I would say no. Do what's best for the situation and what feels right. Sometimes you need to do what's best for you knowing that's the best decision. Everybody does things for themselves, some more than others. Let your gut be the deciding factor.

Answer 4

I think God is willing to help just about everybody...but yes, I do think self-sufficiency is a true principle. And sometimes when I've prayed for something the answer has been clear, "Sure you can have that, I gave you the abilities to accomplish it, so get to work and make it happen!"

Answer 5

Depends on what you mean by that.

I believe God helps those who cannot help themselves. The point of salvation is that we cannot save ourselves.

That's not to say that God doesn't require our participation. We do everything we can do and trust Him to handle what is outside our locus of control.

I trust Him to make the most of my best efforts. That enables me to try when it seems hopeless. Faith, in my understanding, is not belief. Faith is acting on your convictions even when it seems there is no way your actions can succeed, trusting that God will make a way.

Answer 6

If God truely works in mysterious ways then surely he would work with the person who helps himself in order to the benefit others around him - even without the person knowing what repercussions his actions have on his environment.

Answer 7

Yes God gives every bird its food but He does not throw it into the nest.

Answer 8

Yes, and He will help those who can't help themselves as well.

Answer 9

Yes, but more importantly. People help those who help themselves!

Answer 10

Yes I do Ed. Sometimes it isn't easy to help yourself, but you just have to keep at it. Everyday, just keep at helping yourself. God will provide for you.