Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Help (02/20/06)
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TITLE: Help Yourself! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Morris
02/27/06 -
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The congregation stood and sang the old chorus, “He’s all I need, He’s all I need, Jesus is all I need.” This certainly brought tremendous comfort to those hurting and triumphant melody to those rejoicing because they were not hurting. For many years, this tune has found its way into the worship of most Bible believing churches. Most believers could sing it by heart and would be ready to burst into solo at the drop of your hat. It was such a comforting tune to us all, until the day Professor Phil busted the bubble!
The adult Sunday school class was gathering and greeting one another with the usual “hello” and “good to see you” jargon. Everything was quite normal on this particular Lord’s Day when Professor Phil, a well-educated Sunday school teacher who also taught at the local community college, gave a blow to the spirit of every faithful believer present. “Jesus is not all you need,” he piped as he opened the lecture. He went on, “I am tired of hearing Christian’s tell others that everything will be okay as long as you have Jesus. All you need is Jesus!”
Nothing could be heard in the classroom except the gasp and gulps of the faithful gathered. “Blasphemy!” was the first thing to pop into the minds of most. Everyone looked around waiting on someone else to defend the faith! Then all at once, the noise of several who were clearing their throat while others who did not bother to clear broke the silence. Then the discussion was on.
For more than an hour, the old ship of Zion weathered the turbulence. Everyone had their opinion and most did not mind sharing it. Some searched the scripture, some searched their heart, while others just searched for something to say.
When the session was finally over and the morning worship had ended, I returned to my home to ponder Professor Phil’s statements. Is Jesus all I need or do I need something else? I resign myself to the fact that I certainly do need Jesus! However, there is something else I need! I need to be willing to help myself! Jesus is not our baby sitter waiting on us to cry so he can come to a decision on what to do to make us happy so we will hush.
He is our helper! The apostle Paul states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4.13 (KJV) Notice the words, “I can do…” Paul did not say that Christ was going to do all things for me! He said, “I can do all things through Christ…”
How many self-help books are on the market today? Visiting the library or bookstore, one can find a self-help book to help them do whatever they are attempting to do. Christians have been given a self-help book as well. It is called the Word of God. Not only that, but when we have Christ we have a personal assistant! “…who strengtheneth me.”
Yes we need Jesus, but we also need a willingness to do something ourselves. This reminds me of the Old Testament story of the widow woman who was in a terrible financial condition. Instead of some atomic burst of supernatural power zapping her debt and filling her mailbox with golden coins, she was asked to use what she had! All she had was a little oil and a few empty bottles.
She was obedient to the prophet and began to pour her oil into the empty bottles. Soon they were all filled! She borrowed empty bottles from all the neighbors and those were soon filled. When every empty bottle in the neighborhood was filled, she sold the oil and paid off her debts.
This miracle was not going to happen on its own. There had to be a willingness to do something about the situation instead of just sitting and waiting on a miracle. The poor widow helped herself and God gave the increase.
Maybe it is time for modern day Christians to realize that we need Jesus to help us help ourselves. See what you can do through Christ who gives you strength! Help yourself!
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