Faulty Psychological Labels

There exists today a lengthy list of alleged psychological disorders from add, adhd, bipolar, manic depressive, etc. How do we counsel amidst all of the confusion when people really believe that they are trapped in those 'disorders' and 'need their meds'? The reality is that a vast portion of these 'conditions' and 'disorders' are usually spirtually related and not organic. Organic conditions would be like a broken arm or brain damage from an auto accident; both of which are clear physical maladies. However, when it comes to other conditions that do not appear to have physical causes, then the waters become muddled. What ought we do? What does the Scripture say?

Man is composed of the material and the immaterial according to the Bible. Therfore, each affects the other. One must especially take into account original sin, something contemporary pscycology refuses to do. Every condition is not necessarily sin related as is the case with Alzhiemers and such, but much of the add, bipolar, etc. can be contributed to struggles with sin. This is hard to swallow, but such is the case.

Our response in counseling, disciplining, and evangelizing should be to ask questions in knowing exactly what is going on physcially and spiritually. In doing this, one is able to better ascertain the cause and not merely the symptoms of the problem. For example, ulcers can be caused by anxiety, which leads one to see the cause as anxiety, a sin issue.

We must also avoid using faulty pyschological labels and use Biblical ones instead. Much of the confusion lies in the fact that we have left the Biblical data and supplanted it with pop pcychology. The Scriptures not only describe conditions, but they also provide us with many names for those conditions like anxiety, greed, drunkenness, lack of discipline, foolish, etc.

Ultimately, we rest in Scripture and carefully distinguish between what is real and what is a fabrication designed to justify sin against a Holy God.

Humiliation

Humiliation is an especially difficult word to swallow, for our sinful flesh resists all inclination to allow for it. In this era especially, we are overwhelmed with self-help, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-exaltation, self-affirmation, etc. We want to be at the center of our universe, and we despise situations where we are humiliated.

We hate humilation and long for vengeance by our own hand immediately. We desire vengeance when wronged without a cause, yet the Scripture declares that vengeance ought to be left to the Lord and not us. We do not deny justice, but more often than not our desire is selfish and has little to do with justice.

Our response must be to accept our humiliation and wait upon the Lord for vengeance. Verily, the Lord brings down the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride comes before the fall, yet the humble will rest in Christ for eternity.

Therefore, whether at home, work, Church, or elsewhere, let us accept our humiliation when our sin is exposed, when wronged unjustly, or persecuted. If holiness in Christ is our passion, then we should eagerly allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us through daily humilation.

I must decrease, but He must increase! Amen!

ESL Appreciation dinner

On November 10th, we had a great turnout for the ESL Appreciation Dinner. It was celebrated at our new home, and everyone enjoyed each other's company. We had great food and joyous fellowship. After we ate, a time of reflection over the past year was in store, and then we discussed future plans in our ESL ministry. Over the next few weeks, plans will be in the work for next year, and our projected start up date will be mid February. We ask for you continued prayer and support in this matter. May God be at the center of our endeavors.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always a glorious time of year when understood in a Biblical context. The Lord is always generous and gracious in His abundant giving. Truly, thankfulness is the antidote for bitterness and envy. It is impossible to be bitter and envious while being thankful at the same time. When bitter envy wanes towards a neighbor, a thankful heart glorifies the Living God. Therefore, let us bow before Him, and rejoice in what He has given us, namely His Son! Amen!

Future Ministry Opportunities in 2010

This past year has been exciting for The Jeramy Anderson Evangelisic Association, Inc. I had originally intended on focusing attention on speaking engagements, essays, papers, research, book writing, and blog entries, but the ESL ministry took off far more than expected, so, for the past 8 months, all of my time went there instead.

Nonetheless, I still have a great desire to speak to local congregations, which was an original priority for this 501c3 para-church ministry to begin with. Therefore, though the ESL ministry is still a high priority, I hope to line up 5-10 speaking engagements during 2010 teaching on creation, apologetics, theology, and worldview.

However, as the Lord opens up unexpected doors, we will walk through them in His time. May He guide this ministry as we continue to pray, rest, and prepare for next year.

To Him be the glory alone! Amen!