May 23

Written by Bill Grandi on May 23rd, 2019

My title for this devotion is Do It Yourself or HELP!!!

We tend to be independent creatures. More precisely, many tend to want to be loners. The commercial world calls it the “Do-It-Yourself-ers.” Or DIY.  Big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards count on that. They thrive on the DIY. They would be out of business if they counted on me or people like me. I’m not much of a DIY person when it comes to home improvement. I recognize my weaknesses and inabilities so I rely on others.

Too bad that DIY attitude often carries over into our spiritual lives. Too many of us are Lone Rangers. We think we have the silver bullet. This is especially true of leaders. I’ve said it before…and I’m sure will say it again: the idea of the leader (pastor for example) having all the answers AND all the power is a mantle I don’t want. Nor is it biblical. A perfect example is Moses. Twice he had to share his load. Once when his father-in-law told him to get help counseling and once in Numbers 11 where his load was so great God told him to get help. He was to choose 70 men of the elders of Israel and gather at the Tabernacle (the tent). God took some of the spirit that was on Moses and put it on them. (Check out 11:16,24-25)

It was too much for Moses. God’s plan has never been to give one man all power and authority (except Jesus, of course), but to use others to spread His Word. In Acts 10 the Gentiles received the Spirit and the Gospel spread. Even the disagreement between Paul & Barnabas in Acts 15 was used to spread the Gospel as they each went their separate ways.

There is no DIY in God’s economy. Even Jesus gave the commission to His men to “Go.” They, in turn, not only spread the message, they included and enlisted others to do so as well.

“Father, spreading Your Word was never a DIY project. In this case “It takes a village” takes on a whole new meaning and is a good thing. Help me to be more open to your way of doing things and not so self-sufficient. This is especially true for me as a leader. Help me to enlist others to do your work.”

 

7 Comments so far ↓

  1. Glynn says:

    I think DIY is part of the human condition. Self-help is always one of the biggest sections at bookstores — and even Christian bookstores (back when they were more common).

    • Bill Grandi says:

      You’re right Glynn. Sadly, I think it has led us onto the wrong path in many ways.

  2. Ryan S. says:

    I agree with Glynn on that as well… I think there is a positive component to “self-help”, but as with all things, when you leave God out of the equation… DIY can fail. I think it should be DIWG… but that doesn’t roll off the tongue as well.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I do agree that we must do something. Too many want to leave it all up to God and do nothing. I also agree DIWG doesn’t quite flow off the tongue. 🙂

  3. No, we’re not meant to go this journey alone, that’s for sure, Bill. We all need help from one another, and most especially, from God.
    Blessings!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I know I need help Martha. Can’t get away from that no matter how hard I try.

  4. floyd says:

    Is it hot in here? And I’m not even wearing a collar!

    Good one, Bill. I’m guilty of this way too often.