RPG Adults
SELF-HELP WITH GOD’S HELP IS THE BEST HELP (2)
FRIDAY, JULY 12
Ruth 2:1-4
Romans 12:1-3
“…think soberly,
according as God hath dealt
to every man the measure of faith.”
SELF-HELP WITH GOD’S HELP IS THE BEST HELP (2)
Self-help is the employing of one’s own efforts in an attempt to address or meet one’s needs using the resources available. In the present day, a worldly, ungodly and destructive view of self-help is promoted and advocated. This view that promotes independence, even from God, focusing on one’s self and efforts and placing the power to change, and the onus for change, on the individual. It disregards God, His Word, and prayer and other means of grace availed to us. This is self-exaltation, self-hurt, self-destruction, and self-glorification. The desire to address and meet one’s needs is commendable, but the efforts employed and steps taken must be done with the understanding of the providence of God and knowledge of what man is, and with the right balance between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility.
“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi…” (Ruth 2:2). Two widows without anyone to provide for them would seek to provide for themselves or, as it were, to help themselves by gleaning. Thanks to the law of God and its gracious provisions, there was a “social welfare system” that made provisions for the poor of the land. This system was one that required and rewarded effort, and so Ruth offered to go and glean. As she told her mother-in-law of her intentions, she said, “Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace.” The depraved nature of man, made even gracious provisions of God to be at times difficult for the poor and downtrodden. Ruth, probably anticipating the difficulties that being a poor foreigner would pose in her efforts, said that she would seek out the field of one who would be gracious.
Self-help cannot be without God’s help! Setting out to do something about our situation or circumstance in life must be approached with prayer, remembering our own frailty and depravity. It must be approached with the understanding of God’s grace and mercy, and done according to His Word and will.
THOUGHT: (Read Galatians 6:3-5.)
PRAYER: Grant, O Father, Thy grace to help in my walk with Thee.