Jesús en casa en tu corazónMuestra

Say “No” to Self-Help

I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, “Where’s the self-help section?” She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. — George Carlin

God helps those who help themselves, right? Well, not exactly. Actually, not even close. The bookstore has a complete “self-help” section, telling us we’re supposed to survive life’s toughest seasons by our own strength—that we’re in this alone. But nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is much more powerful, much more profound, and much more incredible:

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

Everything we need to live a godly life comes through knowing Jesus. Don’t get me wrong. Peter doesn’t promise life will be easy or carefree. He does say that we have everything we need to not just survive—but thrive—in a life that experiences Christ.

Through these [Jesus] has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature... (2 Peter 1:4a)

What!? We can “participate in the divine nature”—in His glory and goodness—because we have everything needed to live a godly life through Christ? Is it possible that through the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, we are that close and that intimate with Him right here and right now?

This is powerful Scripture. God’s power has given us everything we need to live as He wishes:

• We don’t have to beg for strength. Jesus is our strength.
• We don’t have to struggle to love people. He loves through us.
• We don’t have to wait for joy. He is our joy.

No, we don’t need to help ourselves. We lack nothing. Why? Because God Himself lives in us.

That’s the truth. “Self-help” is a faint and deceptive endeavor.

God with me, I thought I was doing this alone and that somehow I could make my life something worthy of Your love. Yet You’ve watched, waited, called me to be still so I might enjoy Your presence. Jesus, calm me. Show me that I don’t need to work or fight alone anymore. I praise You that You’ve given me everything I need. Show me how to live a godly life. Amen.

Reflection:

1. What difference has the indwelling presence of Jesus made in your life?
2. What does it mean to have been "crucified with Christ?"
3. How can you share the good news of the indwelling Christ with others?

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