I cannot do anything.
I can do all things.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Which statement do you relate to most?

Another interesting question was posed, "Is it wrong if we encourage ourselves then?"

In a life met with setbacks and challenges, a positive mindset is definitely a boost in helping people resolve crises. The world today bombards us with inspirational messages like "believe in yourself and you can do it", "if you will it, you can do it". While optimism and a healthy self-efficacy is important, are we becoming too self-reliant or maintaining a culture of self-sufficiency? And as we become less dependent on others, do we carry that attitude to God as well? What if suddenly God were to ask you, "need any help?", how would we reply? Would it be "Nah it's fine, I'm cool with things" or maybe "I'm good in those areas, how about this and that, you could help me with that". Maybe it's my own opinion, but I think many people (Christians) are like that. Is God a subset of your life, or your life a subset of God's plan? Do we treat Him like our servant, granting prayers at our beck and call, ignoring Him when all is well? As much as there is credit to hard work, we too are weak beings, not forgetting that many of what we achieved today were made possible by the provisions of others.

I think it's great to encourage ourselves, but more important for us not to forget the grace of God, and especially not so to take credit solely for ourselves.

Labels: God, thoughts

I cannot do anything.
I can do all things.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Which statement do you relate to most?

Another interesting question was posed, "Is it wrong if we encourage ourselves then?"

In a life met with setbacks and challenges, a positive mindset is definitely a boost in helping people resolve crises. The world today bombards us with inspirational messages like "believe in yourself and you can do it", "if you will it, you can do it". While optimism and a healthy self-efficacy is important, are we becoming too self-reliant or maintaining a culture of self-sufficiency? And as we become less dependent on others, do we carry that attitude to God as well? What if suddenly God were to ask you, "need any help?", how would we reply? Would it be "Nah it's fine, I'm cool with things" or maybe "I'm good in those areas, how about this and that, you could help me with that". Maybe it's my own opinion, but I think many people (Christians) are like that. Is God a subset of your life, or your life a subset of God's plan? Do we treat Him like our servant, granting prayers at our beck and call, ignoring Him when all is well? As much as there is credit to hard work, we too are weak beings, not forgetting that many of what we achieved today were made possible by the provisions of others.

I think it's great to encourage ourselves, but more important for us not to forget the grace of God, and especially not so to take credit solely for ourselves.

Labels: God, thoughts