Sunday, July 28, 2019 am
SHINING AS LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(26)
Examples IN Every Area – Our Mental Health
We
are in the midst of addressing various aspects of our lives that we need
to consider as we bring every thought and action into captivity to the
obedience of Christ. We
consider these things as they affect our influence in the midst of this
dark world. We have addressed the
church and its influence in our lives, the Christian and money, and
devoted the last to lessons to our physical health.
We have seen how these areas can affect our influence toward
others. Today I want to
continue an examination of our health, but I want to focus on our mental
health.
Mental health is a big concern today.
We are living in stressful times with multitudes of pressures
coming from every side. And
as Christians, we are increasingly reminded of how our society and the
world are becoming increasingly more hostile to the true faith taught in
the Bible. Struggles
with our physical well being often also affect our mental health – how
we think about everything – God and His word, ourselves, others, etc.
And as we consider the light that
is to be shining in us, we ought to think about these things.
a.
The Bible has much to
say about the mind
– it is associated with
our spiritual heart.
When we speak of the heart of a Christian we are addressing that which
makes him who he is inside – not his flesh and bones, but his soul, his
personality, his will. It is
the seat of his emotions, thoughts, understanding and attitudes.
It is what makes you – YOU!
Our mind (and heart) governs our conduct as Christians.
Consider the following:
Proverbs 4:23 tells us that our of the heart springs the issues of life.
Matthew 22:37 – we are to love God with all our heart, soul and mind –
the first commandment.
Romans 8:5-6, For those who live according to the flesh set their minds
on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit,
the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 10:10 – it is
with the heart that we believe in God, leading to our salvation
Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above, not the things of the
earth.
Hebrews 8:10, speaking of the new covenant (the NT), the writer notes
that the LORD would put “My laws in their mind and write them on their
hearts…”
Add to this the numerous verses that speak of us being like-minded –
meaning we think the same way – 1 Peter 3:8, Philippians 1:27, 2:2-3,
4:2, etc.
b.
Mental struggles are
real. We
all struggle with our minds from time to time – getting them to where
they ought to be. It might
be something minor or temporary, OR it might be something that affects
us at the very core of who we are.
Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 speaks of the nature of our spiritual
battle. It involves our
minds and thoughts.
In this lesson, I want to direct us to some things to consider that
can help us as we deal with the struggles in our minds.
Having said this, I also
believe that there are people with genuine mental issues and problems
that sometimes require professional or expert help.
In such situations, I would advise that you seek out someone who
actually believes in God and will make diagnosis based upon that.
In other words, you need
someone who will NOT let you get away with sin.
BUT consider - Mental health is a big business now – there are
psychiatrists (MDs), psychologists, sociologists,
lots of drugs to deal with the effects of various mental
diagnostics, therapeutic sessions and treatments, etc.
Far too many at the first sign of mental struggles will go
to a doctor or someone to help or cure them.
I say before you do that there are a few things you need to
consider.
When it comes to our
mental health, in many instances (perhaps more than we care to admit), a
good look at the Bible with a determination to obey it will help one
identify the cause of their mental angst.
What I mean by this is that quite often we bring on our struggles
(intent is not discussed here) that lead to mental health issues.
E.g. If you are guilty of some sinful behavior and it is causing you
mental anguish, that is your conscience working (which God gave you).
The answer is to deal with the sinful behavior and then you will
have peace of mind. Yet
many, with guilt, will go to a “professional” and receive therapy or
medications to alleviate that guilt, or declare that they can’t help it.
The problem: If you don’t deal with the sin, you may not feel the
guilt anymore, but what have you done?
You have damaged your conscience or buried your sinfulness.
BUT, in God’s eyes, the sinfulness is still there.
THAT’S THE PROBLEM!
c.
How can our mental
health affect our influence?
i.
It has an effect on how we view ourselves
– this is both the definition and the result.
But when we think about influence, we first look at ourselves and
scrutinize who we are. If we
look down upon ourselves, are pessimistic about life and view ourselves
as worthless it is going to have an impact on how we conduct ourselves
and ultimately our example before others.
ii.
It can affect how we view others – often times we view others in light of our own problems –
failures and such. This can
cause us to prejudge and react based upon that.
iii.
Often times, bad mental health is reflected in our attitudes and our mood
– bitterness, anger, impatience, mistrust, constant criticisms,
confrontational, cynicism, grouchiness, misreading what someone says and
jumping to conclusions, etc.
These are the types of attitudes that turn people away and shut doors to
future opportunities.
iv.
Such things can also rob you of your confidence to share your faith with
others.
v.
Thought: This
is an area where we may not even realize the impact we are having on
others. We don’t see our bad
attitudes and responses as such.
To us, they are a part of “who I am”.
BUT if such turns people away without opportunity, should we
consider that. Again I
appeal to Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 – all things to all men.
Do I think about how my attitude and demeanor affect others?
a.
We have to examine
ourselves in this too
– 1 Corinthians 11:28 – while dealing with the Lord’s Supper, Paul is
reflecting on our MINDS as we partake – are we not discerning the Lord’s
body, etc.?
Galatians 6:3-5 notes that “if anyone thinks he is something, when he
is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work, and he will have rejoicing
in himself alone…”
Psalm 26:2, David said, Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind
and my heart.
b.
Deal with the causes
– IF there is sin affecting the way you think about yourself, deal with
that area – consider the areas we have addressed – our finances, the
local church, and our physical health – does our failure in these areas
affect our thinking? What
are we doing to remedy the situation?
Are we willing to repent?
c.
Associated with this are the numerous areas we have also discussed
– self-control, moderation, learning contentment, humility, endurance,
etc. We will not revisit
these at this time.
MASTER these two steps, and our troubles will likely be exponentially
decreased.
d.
Realize that mental
struggles are not necessarily sinful – as with so many things, it is HOW we manage them.
BUT, many of them CAN become sinful very easily.
An example is when we DWELL on such things to the point that it
starts affecting our minds.
e.
What is your mindset?
Are you determined to have as positive of an outlook as possible?
Think of Paul and Silas in prison in Philippi – Acts 16:25.
Think of his thorn in the flesh – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, esp. vs.
9-10.
1 Peter 1:13 – therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and
rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you…
f.
What are you putting in your mind? Are you constantly dwelling on the negative? Are you
associating with negative people?
Are you engaging in negative activities (e.g. sinful – which you
KNOW you will feel guilty about), such as watching the news or talk
shows that are constantly critical, OR preachers and studies that do
nothing but attack and tear down but fail to give solutions or build
back up? Always consider
Philippians 4:8 - “mediate on these things”.
g.
Be anxious for nothing
– Philippians 4:6-7 – a powerful verse addressing our minds.
This is a command given by Paul.
It is something we must work on – cf. Philippians 2:12.
NOT easy, but necessary!
This text proceeds to give you direction about this.
h.
Let your requests be
made known to God
– pray about it. James 5:13
-16 – if suffering, pray about it!
James 1:2-6 – could the struggles of our minds be a trial?
Note vs. 5-6 about prayer – if you lack wisdom (to deal with
these struggles).
i.
Learn to trust God and “leave it there”
– 1 Peter 5:6-7, Matthew 6:33.
This is what our faith is about.
Appreciate the grace and mercy of God.
While this concept can be abused, I fear many of us fail to give
God the credit He deserves, or to appreciate the depth of His promises,
when it comes to His grace and mercy.
When we turn our cares over to Him, that is when “the peace of God
that surpasses understanding” will guard your hearts and minds.
(Philippians 4:7) PURSUE
peace with God.
The challenge in this is when we think this is a ticket to sin and
not do as we should – consider 1 John 2:1-2.
j.
Live your life one day at a time – work to not let your worldly future overburden you.
Deal with what you CAN deal with right now.
That was part of Jesus’ admonition dealing with not worrying.
Matthew 6:34.
k.
Let your brethren help you – James 5:16, Romans 12:15 – we rejoice with each other and
weep with each other. After all,
we have the goals and ought to have the same care and concerns for each
other. Who better to
help you, that your spiritual family.
Again the text of James 5:13-16 talks about the “sick” going to
the elders. It might not be
exclusive, but the text includes the “sin-sick”.
Elders (whether the leaders, or those with age and experience)
ought to be able to give you advice and direction IN CONFIDENTAILITY
from God’s perspective.
Another thought: How many of us have increased levels of mental anguish
because our relationship with our brethren is not as it ought to be?
These are a few thoughts as we consider our mental health.
Perhaps there are other suggestions as you deal with this
subject, but these should help us get started in the right direction.
Our physical health- both body and mind have an impact on our
spiritual well-being. Are we
doing what we can to bring them into favor with God? Think about it!