The ? Commandment - God helps those who help themselves

Ask random people to name one of the Ten Commandments. You will be surprised by how many people will answer by saying, “God helps those who help themselves.” That is not one of the Ten Commandments. A Christian polling firm, found that better than eight in ten Americans think “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. It may sound pious and spiritual, but the Bible absolutely contains no such verse. Even President Obama in 2011 used it in a speech as a Biblical quote.

The statement apparently originated in Greek mythology before Christ. In 1736 Ben Franklin popularized it in Poor Richard’s Almanac, helping to give the statement a permanent place in American thinking.

I would argue that “God helps those who help themselves” is untrue. It sends a message that I think is contrary to the Bible’s message. God does expect us to use the talents He has given us to help or better ourselves. But, if it were true God only helps those who help themselves it would have to also apply to salvation.  

There is no part of salvation that we can initiate or work toward. Salvation comes through ‘grace’ and there is no work we can do to obtain it. If it were true it would mean we have some control over God and we don't? I think it is fair to say that God's help is more likely to be effective if we are earnestly trying to do our part to help ourselves, but my salvation has nothing to do with anything I have done. It has everything to do with what Jesus has done.

I think a lot of those who say it are using it as an excuse to avoid helping those in need. But, the Bible is clear we are to help those in need. Helping others or being charitable is essential to being Christian. Our willingness to help others in need is one of the ways God uses us to accomplish His goals on earth.

God helps those that are in need of help and if we are obeying God and doing what God has called us to do we certainly will be more blessed. I have said repeatedly in my blog God will not do for us what we He has given us the ability to do for ourselves. 

Second Thessalonians 3:10 states the church should not give aid to those who can work, but refuse to. God blesses those who obey.

Jeremiah 17:5 (NIV) - This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on man for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD."

Proverbs 28:26 (NIV) - “He who trusts in himself is a fool...”

God helps those who CANNOT help themselves at least I have found that to be true in my own personal life.