Truth Matters from Pastor Dean Brdlik, June 23rd 2023
Where secular philosophers, psychologists, and sociologists have missed understanding the nature of man is their refusal to understand the present and inherent destructiveness of sin. Who wouldn’t like to help others with their psychological problems? Finding a cure, however, demands that we understand two things: the nature of the disease and true mental health.
The Bible reveals the root of all human problems: sin’s effects on the soul. Sadly, though, God’s Word is not among the references in the secular understanding of man. The secular psychologies do not allow for an inherent sin nature, so it is hard to imagine how they could stumble upon the right treatment. The famous psychologist Carl Rogers (whose “Client Centered Therapy is a staple in many of today’s seminaries) states: “I am very well aware of the incredible amount of destructive, cruel, malevolent behavior in today’s world—from the threats of war to the senseless violence in the streets—I do not find that this evil is inherent in human nature.”
Until the issues of sin and true mental health are addressed biblically, there will be little usefulness coming from these secular theories. Today’s My Utmost for His Highest addresses this issue of sin:
“At the beginning of our lives we do not bring ourselves to the point of dealing with the reality of sin. We look at life through the eyes of reason and say that if a person will control his instincts, and educate himself, he can produce a life that will slowly evolve into the life of God. But as we continue on through life, we find the presence of something which we have not yet taken into account, namely, sin— and it upsets all of our thinking and our plans. Sin has made the foundation of our thinking unpredictable, uncontrollable, and irrational.
We have to recognize that sin is a fact of life, not just a shortcoming. Sin is blatant mutiny against God, and either sin or God must die in my life. We must mentally bring ourselves to terms with this fact of sin. It is the only explanation why Jesus Christ came to earth, and it is the explanation of the grief and sorrow of life.”
Understand 5 biblical truths secular behavioral “scientists” overlook:
1.) We were born sinners (Psalm 51:5)
2.) Sin brings destruction and death (Romans 6:20-23)
3.) We will struggle with sin (Romans 7:21-25)
4.) God has dealt with our sin (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)
5.) The Spirit of God is the solution (Romans 8:1-11)
Until these 5 truths are understood, any attempt to understand the nature of man will be inconsequential at best, and eternally destructive at worst. My prayer for you and me today is this: Lord, we need the power of the Spirit to deal with our sin issue. Please make us sensitive to His conviction, leading, and understanding. Without You Lord, none of us would have any confidence. But with You, we can have victory both now and for all eternity. This is our confidence. Heal us Great Physician and Counselor. Amen.
Romans 12:2 amp
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Walk with the King today and be a blessing.
