You’ve probably heard them before. You might have even SHARED them without fully realizing what you were saying.
“God quotes.”
Those seemingly harmless, well-intentioned phrases passed on by religious people, sometimes even true believers, who want to be encouraging during difficult times. Have you heard these?
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers.”
“Follow your heart.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
These are only a few lines repeated when discussing wealth, decision-making, or life’s challenges. Have you ever wondered at their origin? Are they really included in Scripture? Let’s see…
The misquoted phrase, “money is the root of all evil,” is actually, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10) Paul wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to find contentment no matter the circumstances. Jesus also exhorted His followers to realize that their relationship with and service to God comes before everything else — including wealth (Luke 12:13-15 & 32-34; 16:13; Mark 12:41-44).
“Follow your heart” is found nowhere in the Bible. Instead, Jesus reminded His listeners that a man’s heart hosts the very things that defile him (Mark 7:14, 15). Jeremiah 17:9 cautioned that the human heart is deceitful, while James said that our deepest longings will never be wiser than the counsel of God (James 1:5-8).
“God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers” appeared in the last few years, possibly to encourage those discouraged by life’s overwhelming circumstances. The Bible explains that only through human weakness and obedience can Christ’s power be revealed (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Finally, “God helps those who help themselves” is one of the most misguided pieces of advice circulated. The Bible clearly says that only by believing in the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ will we be saved (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9). We cannot save ourselves.
In sharing words of advice, hope, or encouragement, God’s Word alone stands the test of time. It is clear, precise, and eternal. Nothing else will do.
mpaxson99@yahoo.com
