This saying has been around a long time, and it is frequently quoted by secularists. Perhaps a closer look will reveal the truth about this statement.

An example of "Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves," could include a man robbing a bank. He certainly helps himself. Heaven ("God," Heaven never helped anyone) would then make sure, if the statement rings true, that the man would ditch the get-away-car before the police could become knowledgeable about the man and his partner, who drove the get-away-car. Probably neither of them would ever be arrested or stand in front of a judge.

God doesn't work this way. It is by grace you have been saved( Eph 2:8 ). The statement containing truth: God helps those who choose to obey Him.

How can I obey God? Contained in all the wisdom of the ages; distilled to its essence; it can be summarized as follows:

1. Do not get anyone pregnant, or engage in anything sexual outside of marriage.

2. Plan to achieve: stay in school.

3. Don't spend more than you earn.

A personal estimation, puts each of these nuggets at a value of $20,000 in 20th century money.

The Bible contains each of these truths.

No.1 resides in the Ten Commandments - Thou shall not commit adultery. And the apostle Paul answers the Corinthians questions with: The marriage bed shall not be defiled, and the body of the husband belongs to the wife. He also teaches the Galatians that the works of the flesh are to be avoided. These works include: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, and licentiousness (Gal 5:19).

No 2. resides in the Bible as "instruction." "Take a firm hold on instruction, do not let go" (Pb 4:13). Solomon gives wise counsel to sons everywhere: He shall die for lack of instruction (Pb 5:23); Being wise in the Lord is health to your flesh and strength to your bones (Pb 3:5); Teach instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser (Pb 9:9).

No. 3 resides in "greed" of which Jesus and Paul say many things which call for restraint in spending. Jesus sets the tone when He says, "Count the cost"(Lk 14:28). Before building, a wise man counts the cost, and folks that conquer greed hold their spending to "needs" rather than "wants." Solomon says, "He who is greedy for gain troubles his house"(Pb 5:27). Paul says, "The love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim 6:10).

However, No.1, No. 2, and No. 3 become impossible to most men without No. 4: Establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus died that you may be forgiven and have all the power necessary for a good and joyful life. Asking Jesus into your heart gives you the power to submit to school and to learn how to use a budget.

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ becomes the most important decision that a boy, girl, man or woman can make. Knowing that there is someone bigger than you, that can make life worthwhile, is the first step, and it requires submission and acceptance of Jesus work on the cross for you..

Choose Jesus, today