Self-help

 

Self-help

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 2:16 and Psalm 121:1–8

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

The self-help shelves are always stuffed with the latest books, and the aisles are filled with people ready to try something new. Weight loss, fitness, self-esteem, dependency, recovery, stress management, finances, and a variety of dysfunctions are just a few of the categories of books. Our inability at making ourselves better is nowhere quite so clear as when you find these books available in “Dummies” guides and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to” such topics. When it comes to self-improvement, we tend to be pretty thick, especially in the most basic area of human nature: sin. 

Where will our help come from in the sin department? Where is the “Idiot’s” manual about stopping sin and its effects on the human condition? When one realizes that help does not come off the shelf or from trying harder or thinking more positively, he begins to be on the wiser path. No amount of books, effort, or psychology will change your condition. 

Help is in a Name — not in a book, a course, a church, a pastor, or an outlook on life. Our help is in the name of the Lord (Psalm 124:8). When you have reached the end of the self-help aisle and all human effort has failed you, call upon the Lord of heaven and earth. You have looked at your pitiful condition long enough. Lift up your eyes and see that your help comes from the Lord.

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