Theology by Cliche

I don’t like theology by cliché or bumper sticker belief. It seems too easy – too glib. Because of this I sometimes dismiss phrases without really thinking about their truth. “God helps those who help themselves.” I have heard this many times, but I am more and more convinced that it is true. The Father will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. He is not a genie to be conjured whenever our lives get too hectic. Retracing our steps and looking makes more sense than praying for lost car keys. Engaging those we have hurt will be more productive than praying for forgiveness. Those things we can do we should do. Those things that beyond us…learning to love those who hate us…those things belong in the realm of prayer.