'God helps those who help themselves'

[Katherine]

Dear friends,

"God helps those who help themselves" is such a widely used quote, that many people even think it's in the Bible.

Over the years, I have given much thought to this saying, but this morning I thought to myself, “I have never so much more disagreed with that saying!”
Here are my reasons why - not to say that I’m right, as I’m probably not … but there are reasons why I think it’s an empty statement:

So … “God helps those who help themselves”. You know why God helps those who help themselves? Because usually they are the ones who have gotten themselves into trouble due to their thinking they know best, and their pride has gotten in the way, and therefore need God’s help to intervene.

I mean, Saul was out “helping himself” and working on his salvation through the Old Testament Law. He was a Jew of the Jews, a Pharisee of the Pharisees – he thought he was doing good by persecuting the Christians! And how did God help him – by Christ Jesus cutting his pride and everything down saying “Saul, Saul – why persecutest thou Me?”

“God helps those who help themselves.” Does that mean God does not help those who can’t help themselves, or do not know, or are aware that they even need help?

If we are out “helping ourselves” we often are relying on our own judgement, rather than taking the advice of: the Scripture, saints, martyrs, Holy Fathers, our own Spiritual Father or Mother. We think we know best, and when we launch out on our own ideas, it’s then that we fall. You know what my priest told me on Saturday (amongst other things at confession)? “Don’t fly away from the nest yet … there is a deep chasm below.” If I launch out to “help myself” and do what I think I ought to be doing when it's not the time yet, it’s possible that I could fall.

I tried to “help myself” recently by getting up at 5am to pray, read Scripture, and spend more time in God’s presence … thinking I was doing good. And yet, it only made more trouble for me and made my health worse. I thought I knew what was best … but in actuality obviously didn’t, and then had to go to confession because of it.

Rather than the saying be “God helps those who help themselves”, it should be “God helps those who pray and do His will.” In first seeking God, then we will receive His help. It’s better that way, rather than launching out on our own, and when we fall, expect God to help us.

So know that I've sorted that out in my head ... forgive me again. But what are your thoughts? Can you explain the saying to me differently?

Many thanks!
Your sister in Christ,
Katherine

[Antonios]

Hi Katherine,

It is funny that you mention this saying... I had a patient in the ER not too long ago who was a man in his 30's and a chronic alcoholic. He told me how his wife had left him, he was fired from his job, he had lost most of his friends and money, and he was now sleeping in various shelters and sometimes in the streets. I spoke to him about how much damage he was doing to himself, that he was slowly committing suicide, and more importantly, how much hurt and pain he was causing those who care for him. He said he understood that but couldn't find anyway out. I told him that the most powerful way towards recovery is to pray to God for help to overcome his addiction. He answered me by saying, "I know, I know, God helps those who help themselves." My response to him was "No. God helps everyone. But especially those who help others." He gazed at me in deep thought for several moments, while tears began to well up in his eyes, then asked for a phone to call his wife. It was, needless to say, a special moment for both of us.

[Rebecca Gabl]

One could look at it as meaning, for example, "You can pray for God to send you a job, but you still need to apply for one."

[John Charmley]

As with so many of these aphorisms a variety of readings is possible, although only one - the least desirable - is usually applied.

That it should sometimes be used almost as an excuse for greed and selfishness just goes to show how sin can disfigure what can be better.

Such a saying can remind us that we are active partners with God in the process of theosis; we don't just sit around being acted upon - we must do our part. We must pray, we must work with Him and His will for us, not simply act wilfully and selfishly. Read in this way, the aphorism means almost the opposite of the popular interpretation.

God helps us all, but we are better people when we work with His will.

INXC


John

[Katherine Clark]

In a dance where there are partners, the two must move together. Usually one leads and the other must "feel" or sense the movement and move with it. I think our relationship with God is like that. As we turn our hearts toward God, he leads and we follow. It is this working together that is the point. Without Him we can do nothing, says our Lord and Savior, and this is true. Yet we must walk in the steps that have been designed. To me it is a kind of dance, a dance of love. That is my interpretation of the "synergy" that I have been taught is the way Orthodox Christianity interprets these things. Other minds and hearts more experienced in the ways of God and human beings may enlighten us more. May God guide us all.