It is often said, “God helps those who help themselves.” This phrase praises a virtue that we hold in such high regard; hard work. Our society values hard work and self-motivation. Therefore, it is no surprise that our culture has influenced our theology in such a way as to see phrases like this become so popular. It seems almost Biblical, but the saying, “God helps those who help themselves” is not in the Bible.
More accurately, God frequently helps those who are unable to help themselves. Throughout the Bible, God comes to the aid of those in need. Isaiah states, “For thou hast been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…” (Isaiah 25:4) Not only does God assist those in need, he calls those of us who are able, to help those who are not. Matthew records Jesus saying, “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
It has been a blessing to see the St. Luke’s Family of Faith living out this accurate Biblical understanding this summer. Over the past several weeks we have commissioned three mission teams, made up of representation from our three campuses who have traveled in Oklahoma, to Alaska and to Roatan, Honduras. These teams have feed the hungry, built homes, led Vacation Bible School and offered the love and hope of God to all they encountered.
We are the children of a loving God. Our God is the one whom the Bible says, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13) We are also the people who are committed to caring for others because the Bible says, “We love, because he first loved us.” (I John 4:19) There are so many ways to love and server others. I want to encourage you to join a mission team, or find a local St. Luke’s mission project to be a part of and show the world we serve a God who loves us first.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
