Every so often, someone will toss out the sarcastic jab, “Well, Christianity is just a crutch.” The ir implication is clear: s trong, intelligent, capable people …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, below, or purchase a new subscription.
Please log in to continueDon't have an ID?Print subscribersIf you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribersClick here to see your options for subscribing. Single day passYou also have the option of purchasing 24 hours of access, for $1.00. Click here to purchase a single day pass. |
Every so often, someone will toss out the sarcastic jab, “Well, Christianity is just a crutch.” Their implication is clear: strong, intelligent, capable people shouldn’t need to lean on anything—least of all faith. The Cross, they say, is for the weak. But here’s the twist: They are absolutely right!
The Cross is a crutch. Scripture says we are supposed to lean on it with everything we’ve got. The Bible never paints mankind as self-sufficient superheroes. Instead, it describes us as people who desperately need Someone stronger than ourselves.
Proverbs 3:5–6 declares, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Notice that word—lean. Trust is not standing tall on our own. Trust is putting our full weight on the Lord. In fact, the entire Christian life is built on the humble admission that we cannot save ourselves, sustain ourselves or steer ourselves.
Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” A refuge is something you run to. Strength is something you depend on. Help is something you need. That sounds a lot like leaning.
So yes, the Cross is a crutch—but it’s the only one strong enough to hold the weight of the human soul.
Where do we lean on the Lord?
1. We lean on Him for salvation
We cannot climb our way to heaven. We cannot earn forgiveness. We lean wholly on Christ’s finished work. When you listen to the Cross, there rings out phrases like: Father Forgive them for they know not what they do; Today you will be with me in paradise; and It is Finished.
If trusting Christ is a crutch, then it is the only crutch that rescues the sinner from eternal ruin.
2. We lean on Him for strength
Life is heavy. Burdens pile up. Hearts break. Bodies weaken. But Isaiah 40:31 promises, “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” Leaning on the Lord is not weakness—it is renewal.
3. We lean on Him for wisdom
Our understanding is limited, biased and often wrong. God’s wisdom is perfect. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” Leaning on the Lord means admitting we don’t know everything—for some folks that will be difficult. Then we trust the One who does.
4. We lean on Him for peace
In a world that thrives on anxiety, Jesus offers rest. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Leaning on the Lord is the only path to real peace.
5. We lean on Him for direction
We don’t see the future. We don’t know the twists ahead. But God does. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23). Leaning on Him keeps us on the right path.
The truth behind the sarcasm:
If trusting the Lord—leaning on Him—is a crutch, then let the world call it what it will. The Christian gladly replies, “Yes, I lean on Him. And He has never failed me.”
The Cross is not a sign of weakness. It is the only source of true strength. And leaning on the Lord is not an insult—it is the invitation of Scripture and the privilege of every believer.
