Thursday, 03 November 2011 05:54
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted on a resolution "reaffirming 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States." Yesterday, President Obama responded, "I trust in God, but God wants to see us help ourselves by putting people back to work." White House Press Secretary Jay Carney amplified the president's remarks later in the day: "I believe that phrase in the Bible is 'the Lord helps those who help themselves.'"When I read Mr. Carney's remarks, I debated whether or not to respond to them this morning. I have always tried to avoid statements in these essays that could be construed as support for a political candidate or party. I would make the following comment whether Mr. Carney worked for a Democrat or a Republican.
Here's my assertion: "God helps those who help themselves" is the most dangerous belief in America today.
Mr. Carney is unfortunately in the majority: 75% of us believe the statement is in the Bible; 68% of those who profess to be born-again Christians agree. However, the pronouncement was actually originated by Algernon Sydney in 1698; it made its way into Ben Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac in 1757 and then into the nation's psyche.
It is the quintessential declaration of America's self-help religion. We are a self-made nation, created by hardworking, courageous pioneers who risked and sacrificed their lives to build and defend our country. We believe we can do anything if we get up earlier, stay up later, work longer and try harder. We baptize our self-reliance in the belief that the more we do, the more God will bless us.
What does the Bible actually say? "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). How does he view our self-sufficient works? "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). How can we be saved from our sins? "While we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Now, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). When we need his help, how does God respond? "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress" (Isaiah 25:4).
Why is Ben Franklin's statement so dangerous? Because self-reliance is spiritual suicide. We desperately need God's guidance and help in dealing with the seemingly insurmountable challenges our nation faces today. But like the father waiting for his prodigal son to return home, he cannot help us unless we admit we need his help. The first step to national renewal is clear: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves..." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Would you join me in praying for a spirit of humility and repentance to sweep our nation? Can it begin with you?
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I appreciate your commentary this morning! Our society is so focused on a works based salvation...asking what can I do to improve my status with God? I am excited to know this morning that there is nothing we can do to improve our status with God. He loves us all unconditionally!
I encourage you to write to the White House. Praying that God will give you wisdom.
Thanks so much for your writings...they are most meaningful!!
Sheila
Humility. Serving. Others.
Might we willingly head that way before we are forced.
Perhaps it would be better to say, "God helps those who cannot help themselves"? We should not let prayer become a substitute for work although it's certainly appropriate to pray for guidance in that work.
We have all fallen into the trap of Satan and believe -at least every once in a while that- 'I can be like God' my way. Blessings
Your ending statement this morning, "If my people who are called by my Name.... sums this up beautifully. We (I) need to be on my knees praying for this great nation and our world more. Bless you, Janet and your family. In Christ, Bette Blair
A competitor for the second most dangerous idea is perhaps shared by the sixty-eight percent that believe in the deconstruction of the Holy Scripture.
I like Mrs. Everett and others also encourage you to write the white house. God's Word do not return back void. Share with them your thoughts this morning and see what the Big Man does with it.
Enjoy these every morning. You have a true God given gift. Thank you for using it.
Wreck Em.
To be sure, Jay Carney misspoke (not for the first time) when he cited the Bible as support for his self-help quotation. However, in the Books of Matthew and Luke, Jesus mandates that people show initiative and help themselves.
In the Parable of the Talents, set out in Matthew 25:14-30, a man going on a journey gives 5 talents to one servant, 2 talents to another and one talent to a third. The first two servants put their talents to work and double their money; the third simply buries his talent. When the master returns, he commends the first two servants, but takes away the third servant's talent and casts him out into the darkness. The Book of Luke contains a similar parable at 19:12-27.
These parables suggest to me that God wants us to make full use of what He has given us--in other words, help ourselves. I do not believe that such action is inconsistent with our seeking God's help as well.
To me it appears that God dealt with nations in the old testament times but focuses more on the individual in modern times. I hear fellow church members say they want to reclaim America for God and I want to respond "It was not his in the first place". If we want a Christian country then it is our responsibility to work to share the gospel with all Americans not legislate superficial behavior that appears to be in line with the Christian belief system.
I also wonder how a nation could apply the principals of Christianity. Do we want a department of defense that turns the other cheek? Secretary of the treasury that sells all we have an gives it to the poor?
I know I am being a little ridiculous but it seem that to a lot of Christian/Americans being a christian nation means passing laws to force others to do what we think is right.
I was disappointed not to find reference to the following passages. The ‘work ethic’ is very scriptural all throughout His Word. And a ‘work ethic’ and desire to ‘work’ was the point of the comments made yesterday. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. Proverbs 10:4. Blessings.
Thank you for your comments. Surely there is a way to clarify this to the masses.
Thank you!! You are a blessing!!
"I can do all things who Christ who strengthens me".
Barack Obama is a non-believer who uses the Christian label when he thinks that it might benefit him.
Is this statement also inaccurate in your view?
I'm sure Mr. Franklin didn't truly mean any disrespect toward God.
I'm also fairly confident that our president was only using the moment to remind us that we need to work as hard as we pray to put people back to work. I believe as well that he has a very Christian perspective when it comes to a strong, rich nation reaching out to those who are sick or in need.
Let's pray that this Christian nation will be more compassionate and less combative in it's approach to some of the explosive issues facing our country and our recovery. Yes... Let's pray humbly for God's assistance and guidance.
Let's pray to be more loving and compassionate in our dealings with those who may believe differently than we do.
I don't believe Jesus ever encouraged his followers to engage in rebellious confrontation of their Roman overlords... Nor did he encourage participation in politics. Am I wrong?
Render unto ceasar ..... Turn the other cheek... Give him the cloak as well....
Would you please pray about a devotional about how we may pledge allegiance to our beloved Country, place our hand over our heart, but still love God first and foremost? I often struggle with bridging these two.
Thank you for your devotionals.
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