Seek To Be Whole: Not Only Spiritually; But Also Emotionally and Mentally

Counseling, in the past, has been a difficult and controversial issue among the Bible believing Christians because of the strong conviction of some that total dependance on the Lord and His Word was all we needed to overcome life’s challenges, including emotional and mental problems. This discouraged many believers seek help even from the professionals. There is a change going on right now. It is still gradually but progressively improving.

The negative and the unwelcome attitude regarding therapeutic counseling led to a very few qualified Christian therapists and counselors willing to provide care. Not too many pursue mental health professions because of lack of support from the Christian community. This branched out to another problem; those in need of mental health intervention have difficulty finding a Christian and at the same time Bible centered counselors. The believers have no choice but to seek help from counselors who do not know God and His Word. Consequently, their issues are not being addressed thoroughly, because the root cause of the problem is not being addressed. Secular counseling lacks the sense personal responsibility and accountability. People who are getting secular counseling learns to blame others, instead of taking responsibility to let go and put closure to the past through total forgiveness.

This became more complicated by the perception among some Christians that all emotional and mental problems have a spiritual root and cause; that no other people can help but the Pastor. If one seeks counseling, it is construed as joining the enemy. In some cultures, getting therapy is being perceived as insanity and worse, demon possession.

All sufferings and afflictions we encounter are all the results of the curse of sin. Let us not be too quick to judge a person guilty of any sin because of the difficulty and suffering he is facing. We always encounter problems in all forms daily: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. They have become a part of our human existence.

In 1990, when I started working as a Counselor/Social Worker with Child Protective Services, I was accused by some Pastors that I have joined Satan’s camp. I was condemned and rebuked for dwelling in psychology and sciences because I have taken the education and training to be qualified with the world, not realizing that it was an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Everything in this world, except sin and evil, is from God. This includes the ones that have been taken and corrupted by the enemy that unfortunately many Christians, until today, avoid them and have totally relinquished them to be used by the world. It is time for us who are God-fearing to claim them back to be used for His glory. One of them is Psychology; which is the study of the mind. If there is anyone who should thank God for what He has given us; it should be God’s people. He gave us the mind to think, and emotion to feel. He gave us the will to decide, common sense, conscience, and many more. Since we are composed of spirit, soul, and body; we have a responsibility to be whole in all aspects of our being.

When we are physically sick, we cannot expect the Pastor to treat us; we go to medical doctors. When there is a mental and emotional problem, the Pastors cannot provide the help that is needed. For sure we can always depend on our spiritual leaders for comfort and to pray for us.

If there is a need to see a medical practitioner to help with our physical illness: we certainly need mental health practitioners such as Psychiatrist, Psychologists, Counselors and therapists to help us with our emotional, and mental health issues. We need their help to make us physically and mentally sound. We should not depend on the unbelievers to fix our mind and expect that it will help us think like Christ? How odd does that sound?

Let us support Christian counseling movement or Christian Psychology by using their services. Praise God for the American Association of Christian Counselors who are training a lot of Christians today. Let us keep encouraging the Christians to pursue this field professionally to have enough people to provide counseling services to those in need of help.

In Luke 4:18 we are commanded to meet the needs of those who are emotionally troubled and those with addictions. There are many among God’s children who cannot serve God because they themselves are suffering from these issues. No wonder the Pastors are left doing all the work of the Lord and they are getting burned out. I can name Pastors who became clinically depressed because of personal problems they cannot escape from. Some attempted suicide and few have succeeded. Don’t forget that in the Bible we have personalities like, Elijah and David who suffered depression.

College students with their knowledge of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit’s power could be an effective counselors and therapists. It is a ministry that is so necessary to help God’s people to be whole spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically; given the kind of afflictions we confront everyday.

Christians have no immunity to mental and emotional health crises. We suffer stress, anxiety, trauma, and many more like the rest of the world. It is okay to admit if we have them. It is a part of being alive and as Christians, we encounter a lot more attacks from the enemies. When you find yourself under duress, anxious, and emotionally and mentally disturbed; seek professional help immediately before your conditions escalate to a severe status. Be sure he or she is a counselor who is personally related to God.

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Conclusion:

If you are in need of counseling and therapy, do not go to those who do not know the Lord. You can go to your Pastors for prayer and encouragement but you need to look for a professional Christian therapists near you.

As the Senior Pastor of IBBC, I am at the same time involved in the ministry of christian counseling. I am currently the Director of HIM Counseling Services, a ministry of IBBC and we have trained counselors and life coaches through AACC to help you. You can contact me at: (925) 408-2083 or hernes.abante@aol.com.

Below are more verses to consider:

Proverbs 15:22 KJV

[22] Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Romans 11:34 KJV

[34] For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?