The wiser we are, the better we do. Granted. But when we are wiser, we are also more tempted to solve problems in our own strength. And not only our problems, but we are tempted to advise others to do likewise.

Here’s the problem. That kind of advice tempts the would-be disciple to use human effort and will to do what grace wants to do.

The only solution is to stop trying to fix people. Stop trying to help people help themselves. When someone has troubles, telling them about Jesus will help them a lot more than telling them how to fix themselves.