In Science of Mind teachings, we understand that God expresses through each of us and that we are truly living the highest, best life possible when we are free from any hindrances to that full expression. But what about those people we know and love who do have hindrances, who seem blocked to their highest good and unaware of the Divine flow that longs to freely express through them? Can we really help them, and how much help is too much?
"God helps those who help themselves" is a spiritual principal we know to be true; that our intention, aligned with Spirit, leads to manifestation through the principle within acting upon our words and thoughts. If this is the case, then how do we help someone who does not believe or understand that they have within them the power to change their lives by changing their thoughts? For we cannot force them to change their thoughts, nor can we forcefully align them with Spirit. These are things they must learn to do on their own if they are ever to see the glory of God's presence truly unfold in their lives. But what we can do is act as guardians, guides and angels at their service, cheerleaders standing on the sidelines urging them on to the finish line. We can learn how to help them, and even know the Truth about them, without hindering their own ability to discover that very same Truth for themselves.
There is a fine line between helping another person and enabling them or making them dependent upon us. For example, a drug addict or alcoholic will benefit greatly from the care and concern of those around him/her, but those same caretakers cannot give up the addict's drug of choice and make the commitment to get sober for him/her. That decision, that commitment, is between the addict and his/her Higher Power. Sadly, some addicts never find their Higher Power and thus feel alone and unable to heal from their addiction, merely because they have never been able to experience the flow of Divine love from within. Instead, they continue to believe that an exterior, distant God only picks and chooses whom He will help, and that they themselves have no power to help themselves. We can be angels for them, offering our love and urging them to look within for the courage and answers they need... but we cannot look within for them.
