Helper vs. Hinderer
My girls will roll their eyes when they hear me say “Be a helper, not a hinderer” {I’m not sure if this is even a word}. This phrase is one I’ve used for years. Somehow, I can usually tie this saying into whatever situation we are discussing. It just seems to apply to almost any issue…at least it does in my mind.
The common definitions for these words are: Helper: a person who helps someone else; gives assistance, support. Hinder: to obstruct or delay the progress of; to interfere with action or progress.
In Matthew 19:14, "Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
In 1 Corinthians 9:12, Paul writes to the Corinthians "If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right, on the contrary; we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ."
Hebrews 12:1 states, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
In 1 Peter 3:7, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
In these verses, we see the word ‘hinder’ used to show obstruction or interference away from God by hindering others from Him, hindering others from hearing the Gospel, hindering us from doing His work, and hindering us from spending time with Him in prayer. Being a 'hinderer' does not glorify God.
In contrast, being a helper draws us and others closer to God. Genesis 2:18: "The Lord God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." God’s plan for Eve’s relationship to Adam as a helper was to glorify Him.
In Acts 13:5, John is described as a helper to Barnabas and Saul as they proclaimed the Word of God in Jewish synagogues. Similarly, Timothy and Erastus were helpers to Paul during his ministry (Acts 19:22).
The Bible gives examples of God being a helper. Deuteronomy 33:29 describes how blessed Israel is to have the Lord as a helper. Psalm 10:14 says God is the helper of the fatherless. The Psalmist writes “The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies (Psalm 118:7). The Lord admonished Israel for being against Him, acknowledging Himself as their helper in Hosea 13:9.
In the New Testament, Hebrews 13:6 reads, "So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Our church statement of "Connecting to Christ" with the picture of a puzzle, gives an idea of helping or hindering. We can be the "helper" piece of the big picture or a piece that is either missing or just won't fit, thus hindering the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God.
I pray to be a "helper" piece today.
Have a Blessed day!
Sherry Dunavant
The common definitions for these words are: Helper: a person who helps someone else; gives assistance, support. Hinder: to obstruct or delay the progress of; to interfere with action or progress.
In Matthew 19:14, "Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
In 1 Corinthians 9:12, Paul writes to the Corinthians "If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right, on the contrary; we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ."
Hebrews 12:1 states, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
In 1 Peter 3:7, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
In these verses, we see the word ‘hinder’ used to show obstruction or interference away from God by hindering others from Him, hindering others from hearing the Gospel, hindering us from doing His work, and hindering us from spending time with Him in prayer. Being a 'hinderer' does not glorify God.
In contrast, being a helper draws us and others closer to God. Genesis 2:18: "The Lord God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." God’s plan for Eve’s relationship to Adam as a helper was to glorify Him.
In Acts 13:5, John is described as a helper to Barnabas and Saul as they proclaimed the Word of God in Jewish synagogues. Similarly, Timothy and Erastus were helpers to Paul during his ministry (Acts 19:22).
The Bible gives examples of God being a helper. Deuteronomy 33:29 describes how blessed Israel is to have the Lord as a helper. Psalm 10:14 says God is the helper of the fatherless. The Psalmist writes “The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies (Psalm 118:7). The Lord admonished Israel for being against Him, acknowledging Himself as their helper in Hosea 13:9.
In the New Testament, Hebrews 13:6 reads, "So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
Our church statement of "Connecting to Christ" with the picture of a puzzle, gives an idea of helping or hindering. We can be the "helper" piece of the big picture or a piece that is either missing or just won't fit, thus hindering the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God.
I pray to be a "helper" piece today.
Have a Blessed day!
Sherry Dunavant