Day 70: I trust you, Lord. Removing old sayings for the Truth. 2 Timothy 4
There are far too many sayings people repeat that aren’t actually found in the Word of God. They sound good and they bare some resemblance to the word, but they aren’t the word.
Here’s one: spare the rod, spoil the child. Many have used to this as their reasoning for the way they discipline their children. In some Caribbean countries, this discipline is called a beating. If you heard the word beating, you may automatically think child abuse, but it’s the same as a whipping (whupping) in some communities or a spanking to someone else. Whatever you may call it, it’s typically taking some item (preferably not your hand) and hitting your child with it when they don’t behave as expected. This saying has some roots from the word, but it’s not the word.
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Proverbs 23:13-14 KJV
There are tons of scripture that speak about discipline and reproof of a child, but none of them say ‘spare the rod, spoil the child.’ Disciplining your child in the matter God intends means not relying on old sayings you’ve heard all your life.
There are so many sayings about using your own thinking and dressing it up and calling it wisdom. This was discussed some months back. Find the full write up here (http://www.justmekjg.com/Home/ArticleID/118). But in essence, people say things like:
- God gave us five senses,
- God gave us wisdom, and
- God gave me a brain.
None of that is scriptural. Instead the words says:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 KJV
The thing is, you ask and still use your on wisdom. His wisdom and your wisdom look nothing alike. Go back and read about it. When Samuel asked for wisdom, he used God’s wisdom and didn’t rely on his own thoughts.
What about ‘He’ll never put more on you than you can bear?’ There’s an entire song about this. We’ve all song it. Guess what? The word didn’t say this either. First off, He has promised to carry our burdens.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
Basically, Jesus is saying, ‘Give me your burden and take mine. Mine is light and I’ll carry yours for you.’
Further, a quick Internet search will lead you to another scripture this may be referring to.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
Now, where exactly does this temptation come from?
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:13-14 KJV
Ummm, let’s just lay this down right here...He ain’t the one tempting you. So if He isn’t tempting you and He’s said give Him your burdens, how did someone decide to say that HE PUTS ANYTHING ON US?!?! No, dear friend. He does NOT put anything on you. Instead, He receives your burdens and prepares a way out from you. He takes things off of you. YOU PUT STUFF ON YOURSELF! So stop it. Remove your lusts and be obedient. When trials come, that He has allowed or you caused yourself, pass the test with exemplary high scores! Give it to Him. Show Him you know the word and how to apply it. Make your Daddy proud!
Finally, the sayings ‘He helps those who help themselves’ and ‘If you take one step, He’ll take two’ aren’t scriptural either. The first may have been taken from an ancient proverb or even the Quran (Indeed Allah will not change the conditions of a population until they change what is in themselves.) The second saying is apparently based on (maybe) an Indian proverb or even an Islamic quote. So what exactly are people quoting when they repeat these??!!??
The word says the opposite:
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. Proverbs 28:26 KJV
If you rely on yourself and ‘do your part,’ you are considered a fool.
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:4 KJV
He helps those who cannot help themselves: those who have no choice but to submit and rely on Him.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
You cannot save yourself. You have to depend on Him, by faith. When you turn completely towards Him, He reaches out to help you. There’s nothing you can do to make yourself worthy. You can’t work for it. He gives it to you because He is kind and loving.
There are plenty of sayings that have been passed down from generation to generation. For far too long, people have taken the sermons and given ‘word’ and accepted it without verifying and vetting it. If this is you, stop it! Check the word of God when the word comes from any source except the Holy Spirit. Not every word given is scriptural.
Checking with the source,
Keiyia JOYet George
Trust Walk: Walking in His Steps coming soon!