God is not your fairy godmother

I saw this meme on Facebook today. It was posted to a friend of mine's page with many comments that said "Amen".

I wanted to respond but decided that the ensuing drama wasn't worth it. This meme is telling people that God will solve all of your problems and issues, don't worry about anything. In my lifetime, I have yet to find a passage in any set of scriptures that states God requires no action from us. If you believe this meme, when you get hungry, don't feed yourself, God will feed you if he wants you to eat. Don't put on clothes in the morning, God will make clothes magically appear if he wants you to wear clothes. Don't make any attempt to make your situation better. Don't get out of an abusive relationship, God will fix the other person for you. Don't go out and better yourself through hard work or education, God will give you money and riches if and when he wants you to have them. He will take complete care of you without any need for you to do anything. In other words, be lazy and let God do all of the work in your life. This meme inspires people of faith into inaction.

A quote that I have heard all my life is, "God only helps those that help themselves." Well guess what beloved, that quote isn't anywhere in the Bible. Its commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers. However, there is a passage in the bible that tells us what God expects from us and it is a very simple concept. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."

This passage applies not only to eating but every aspect of our lives. If you have problems in your life, we all do, don't ignore then and hope that God will take them away for you. Step up and take and active role in your life. Solve your problems for yourself. Seek outside help and advice if you need it, but don't think that some deity is going to do it all for you while you get to sit back and enjoy the easy life.