Healing

The book, "Dealing With Difficult People" was given to me by a friend as a joke because of a particular homeless person I befriended and spent time with. When I read it, Iwas reminded ofthe giant gulf between worldlyand Christian views.  

The Bible teaches to have a sober view of yourself. We need to look at ourselves realistically for what we are, and not idealistically.  

In the chapter Difficult People in Groups, referencing an “expert”, author Jeff Keating writes “He suggests that accurate perception of others within a group is not desirable if we are seeking the best means to healthy and productive interpersonal relationships within the group.” Quoting the source: “…accurate, objective but unfavorable perceptions may be less desirable for many good relationships than inaccurate but favorable perceptions. Most people want to be accepted for what they would like to be, not for what they really are.”  Keating expounds: “In this context he asks whether a child, viewed by his or her parents accurately as stubborn and disobedient, will relate better within the family than the child who is received inaccurately (my emphasis) as charming, well-behaved and intelligent.” Keating believes a fraudulent view trumps the truth, because the false view feels better. 

What a difference a world view makes! 

Step 10 in Celebrate Recovery's Biblical based 12 Step program reads:  

"We continue to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. 

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 1 Corinthians 10:12" 

Thinking you are better than you are is a modern trend. The much-touted self-esteem does not make people better. It is not a Christian concept.Self-esteem is about the self. It's about making yourself feel good. The problem is that people are not held to an absolute standard, and when you don't measure up, you artificially raise your self-esteem by saying you feel good about yourself even when you are doing something wrong! Rationalization, excuse making and blame shifting is usually at play. 

Some time ago, I didn't pursue an opportunity to be a counselor in a methadone center because of the ideas the counselor who sat down with me to recruit me presented. He showed me material that knocked the idea that someone who does drugs should be told that they do it because they are being bad, and refuted the idea thatwe were born in sin, and actually called out pastors who preach this.  

Unlike the Biblically based 12 Steps programs, which have been historically very successful, this program was not successful. A few decades later, when I went to my high school reunion, I learned that many of my former classmates, whom I believed went to that program died of overdoses. 

"Have mercy on me, O God, 
according to your unfailing love; 
according to your great compassion 
blot out my transgressions.  
Wash away all my iniquity 
and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:1-2 

In contrast to modern psychobabble, King David admitted he was wrong, that he sinned against God, and asked for forgiveness. Confession and forgiveness is the key to healing. God forgave David's sins and restored him.  

Now restored, here's where David goes: 

"Then I will teach transgressors your ways, 
and sinners will turn back to you.  
Save me from bloodguilt, O God, 
the God who saves me, 
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.  
O Lord, open my lips, 
and my mouth will declare your praise." Psalm 51:13-15 

Healing occurs with a physical illness when you diagnose the cause and treat it. Likewise is the case with a spiritual/mental problem.