So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV
A myth is a narrative, often not generally spoken but widely believed. It is a belief that has no foundation in actual fact but is accepted as an explanation of events and “the way life works.” Myths are frequently found in all areas of life, but most frequently in areas of religion and faith.
A centuries old religious myth is “God helps those who help themselves.” Most people who quote it think it is a “God statement,” but it is not. Barna research reported that 68% of those identifying as “born again Christians” believe it is a Bible verse. Ben Franklin wrote the phrase in Poor Richard’s Almanac in 1773, and he may have gleaned it from Aesop’s fables, written 600 years before Christ. A similar statement is found in Aesop’s story about Hercules. A statement espousing the same belief is in the Quran’s Ar-Ra’d 13:1. It says that Allah will not change the conditions of a population until they change what is in themselves.
Some will argue that though the exact verse may not be found, God teaches the principle throughout His Word. That also is not true. In fact, God teaches the exact opposite. He says we CAN’T help ourselves.
There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Romans 3:10-12 NIV
He points out how our hearts and minds are unable to provide what we need. But over and over the message from our God is that He is delighted to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6 NIV
He tells us it is His joy to show Himself strong on our behalf in our deepest weaknesses.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
God promises to fulfill us by meeting all our needs (Matthew 6:33), and to empower us to do mighty things as He pours HIS strength through us (Philippians 4:13). My part is to look to Him as my source. I refuse the myths that I can handle it, that I should handle it. I look to Him.
- Myths will break me. Masks will hide me. But God’s mirror will show me the truth about me, His love for me, and how He will restore me for great purpose and joy.