God Helps Us

I remember feeling a bit indignant in my youth when someone claimed a phrase quoted in Benjamin Franklin's 1757 Almanac was in the Bible:  "God helps those who help themselves."  While there is likely debate about where the maxim originated, there is no question theologically speaking it is heretical.  The sentiment denies the grace of God and suggests not only can we earn God's favour or help, but that we can indeed help ourselves!  Paul said that in his flesh dwelt no good thing, and he said this as a man filled with the Holy Spirit.  Indeed, only one born again and illuminated by the Holy Spirit could know and willingly acknowledge such a thing.

I was reminded of this quote by a similar comment quote from a politician in the news today.  In urging prospective voters to consider voting for her, it was reported she said:  "In just nine days, we have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come. And on this day, then on this beautiful Sunday morning, I am reminded God expects us to help Him."  Elections can have a big impact on the policies and people in a nation (democratic or otherwise), yet it is God who raises up kings and deposes them (Daniel 2:21).  Like the quip parroted in the Almanac, the Bible never teaches or suggests God has any expectation or need for man to help Him:  it is always God who helps mankind.  He is the almighty, omnipotent God, and thus we perpetually need His help.

Based on these two quotes, it is evident some maintain an unbiblical stance concerning our self-sufficiency--that we can help ourselves, and God expects us to help Him.  It may surprise people Jesus explained God called Himself the Helper, the advocate of all who trust in Him.  Jesus taught His disciples in John 14:25-26:  "These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."  Since the triune God identifies Himself as the Helper, to say we are expected to help ourselves or God is to suggest He is not uniquely divine and we are divine ourselves.  We are God's servants, and it is only with His help and empowerment can we begin to do His will and remain faithful.

In His grace God gives us the ability to help others on a human level, and it is good we realise this capacity comes from Him.  But let us not be deluded to proudly think God is reliant on our contributions for His plans to be perfectly administered.  The humble, godly attitude Jesus taught His disciples to embrace is summarised well in Luke 17:10:  "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."  God's love for us far exceeds the appreciation a master has for a faithful servant.  God does not expect us to help Him but He commands us to hear and do what He says.  It is God who helps His people as David sang in Psalm 28:7:  "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him."