Session 10

Self-Help Never Helped Anyone

From Romans: A 16-Day Devotional

You can enter the the self-help section in a bookstore without a care in the world, only to leave with at least three self-diagnosed problems. People get paid good money to point out every flaw and vice we could have. Colorful, catchy phrases of quick fixes screaming to us from the spines of books. Buy our books; buy freedom!

In Romans 10:1-4, the apostle Paul describes how people were creating a similar wave of emotions with their religious advice. The nation of Israel had great enthusiasm and passion when it came to God — traits we all want to have. But, their enthusiasm wasn’t rooted in the understanding of who Jesus is. Instead, they were devoted to practicing their own ways of being godly.

However passionate and sincere their deeds were, it wouldn’t lead them to salvation, and the same is true for us. We can spend years meditating, soul searching, and self-helping our way to what we think godliness looks like. But trying to become better people takes our focus off where it needs to be: on Jesus. Jesus is the only person who has ever lived a sinless, good life. Godliness doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from putting our faith in Jesus and following His example every day.

All around us are friends and family desperately searching books and programs for the goodness in life only Jesus can bring. Paul writes, “...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!” Let’s be someone’s beautiful feet today.

Reflect:

• Have you been pursuing happiness outside of Jesus? What’s one step you can take this week to put your focus back on following Him?
• Do you know anyone who is searching for goodness or salvation in all the wrong places? Did anyone come to mind while reading this devotional? Maybe your next step is to reach out to that person and share what Jesus has done in your life.  
• When was the last time you thanked the person who shared the good news of Jesus with you? Take time to say thank you this week.