Christians: God helps those who help themselves?

Question

I'm a Christian and I heard this statement awhile back. I kind of think it's true, but then again I did hear it from Steven Tyler and he's not exactly Billy Graham lol...

What are your opinions on this statement?

Answer 1

I think it's pretty true: Check Mat. 13:12 -- "The man who has much, more will be added to it. To the man who has little, even the little he has will be taken away."

I think God helps everybody, esp. people who can't help themselves. But I suspect these truly helpless people are few and far between.

I always thought that meant something like "a little knowledge is worse than none at all." If we understand enough about what God wants from us to multiply the gifts He gives us, then we'll keep getting more and more.

But if we are satisfied with a cursory understanding about God, or if we say we believe because we're too afraid of increasing our faith through exploration and questioning and analyzing, then that little bit of understanding is more dangerous to our spiritual lives than no understanding at all.

I think the "blind faith" doctrines of many fundamentalist churches, and their judgmental, self-righteous conclusions, bear out this truth very clearly.

Answer 2

While there may some truth to the principle, it is not in the Bible and is not 100% true by any means.

A situation where it is true: Someone wants to sit on their tush and watch T.V. all day, every day, then they say, "Why didn't God provide me with the money to pay my rent, now I am going to be evicted?"

But there are many situations where it is not true. Take salvation for example, God helped those who could do NOTHING to help themselves.

Answer 3

It's not in the Bible. However, it does say "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." It also says, "Not by power nor by might but by My Spirit." It's kind of a tightrope, between "walking by faith" and doing it all in your own strength. Common sense is a help here. You do what you can and make sure that you're in God's Way. Keep your life in line with prayer and the Bible and you can't go far wrong.

Answer 4

Dear one - I am coming fresh off a board where people who have identified themselves as Christians and athiests were arguing about gun ownership and their need to protect themselves with weapons.

The argument was heated and frustrating and derogatory on both sides... the thing that shocked me most was the "God helps those who help themselves" attitude among those particular christian members who were supporting NRA values.

I think God helps those who submit themselves to him.
I think God helps those whose hearts are wholly His - and whom believe that He really is a GOD, capable of protecting them from all evil, providing for their every need, and giving them complete peace, joy, strength and makes them victorious in all endeavors when they follow His leading.

I think when our faith is weak - His power is made weak.
I think when we ask him to help our unbelief - He does, and can work miracles.

I think belief and obedience are key.

I think HE is God... not us.

Peace.

Answer 5

This quote is not from the Bible. It is true that God expects us to do all we can for ourselves. If I need groceries, for instance, I go to the grocery store, I don't ask God to fill up my cabinets. But, if I need groceries and see my neighbor taking groceries into her house, I don't help myself to a bag while she's not looking and say, "God helps those who help themselves."

It's good to be responsible and proactive with your life, as long as you are following God's leading to the best of your understanding. This is a really good question.

Answer 6

God helps those who help themselves may not be from the Bible, but it is in alignment with its teachings. Even those who believe in salvation by grace alone admit that you must CHOOSE to accept the grace.

But in everyday life, it also applies. Have you ever heard that story about the guy who was stuck in a flood? He was sitting on his roof praying and some Red Cross guys come by in a boat and try to get him to come with them. He says, "No, I'm staying here. God will save me." It happens three times that someone comes in a boat to save him, and he says, "No, God will save me." Finally, he drowns and meets God and asks, "God, why didn't you save?" And God says, "I sent you three boats!"

You've got to be willing to take that step.

Answer 7

We have to put forth an effort. He ain't gonna hand everything to us on a silver platter. I liked what Sweet Suzy 777 said.The bible also says Cursed is the man that relies on the arm of flesh

Answer 8

I found this. I thiink it's interesting:

Answer: "God helps those who help themselves" is probably the most often quoted phrase that is not found in the Bible. This is actually a quote from Ben Franklin and it appeared in Poor Richard's Almanac in 1757. In fact the Bible teaches the opposite. God helps the helpless! Isaiah 25:4 declares, "For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat..." Romans 5:6 tells us, "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."

Answer 9

i believe it's true to some extent. God gives the the power and opportunity to help ourselves out of situations. but we do need help.

for ex. i cant go and take a final with out studying and expect God to give me all the answers. no, i have to study and ask God to bring back to my remembrance on what i did study.

Answer 10

God does His part. We do ours. If you pray for a job, you cannot just sit at home and wait for a job offer. You have to take an active part and try to find one.