Truth vs. Pop Psychology

The importance of a good self-concept, self-identity, and self-esteem are wide spread today. Many people bring out various theories on the above without understanding the Biblical way of Christ. Every where we turn today even in Christian circles, we hear the need for self- esteem and ‘ego strength’. Self-help books, groups, publishers and even self-help for depression have become the back bone for our present ‘self-help culture’. Healing of the memories, visualization techniques, 12- step and other recovery programs, and self-image has become the way of life for common man and has become the thought pattern even among Christian circle.

What does the Bible talk about the above? The self-esteem issues that people have in today’s society are connected to the unhealthy expectations of other people. It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. (Proverbs 29:25). Your worth, (self-esteem) is not connected to your gross worth, to your successes, or to what any person may think of you. You are not defined by other people’s opinions, you are not defined by your job, and your self-esteem is not associated to your trophies or your accomplishments. When you have some understanding in your heart of what God thinks of you, how much He loves you, how precious you are in His sight, your self-esteem issues will change and you will never worry about another person’s opinion of you again. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:18-19).

By building self-esteem through God's Word one will come to know who you are with confidence. No one will be able to shatter or break you again. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth;" 11 Timothy 2:15. "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind: And that ye put on the "new man" which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness;" Ephesians 4:23-24.

You grow in Christ by changing your thoughts (Ephesians 4:23) with God's Word. As you act upon those thoughts you will be following Christ to receive your victory. So the process is easy by reading, meditating, and hearing God’s Word and acting upon it. Life is in God's Word which is in total contrast to Pop Psychology.

A Christian living as a carnal man is still living for himself, and will still evaluate the world from a false perspective. He will still behave selfishly, disobediently, and without compassion and it will be very easy for that person to psychologize God’s Word in order to worship ‘self’. He thinks, acts, feels and behaves like a un-believer and it is a tragedy!

Healing of the memories, visualization techniques, 12- step and other recovery programs, and self-image are the way of the world and is fatal and no amount of funding or strategic planning will change the destructive end toward which it plunges. Any one who psychologizes the Scriptures invariably finds themselves getting nowhere. Bible says in the last days even the elect will be deceived. Let us not be content to be an immature Christian, as was the case with many Hebrew believers! Heb: 5:11- 6:4. Abundant life is with God the Father, through Lord Jesus Christ because He is the way the truth and the life. Only His Spirit will be able to guide and lead us in this path of Truth without getting deceived.

References:

1. Dr. Larry Crabb, “Effective Biblical Counseling” How Caring Christians can Become Capable Counselors, (Hammersmith: Marshall Pickering, 1985, p. 100-104).

2. John G. Kruis, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling, ‘Progressive Sanctification’ ( Grand rapids: Baker Books, 1988, 1994, 2000 p. 140-145)
3..The Matthew Henry Study Bible, ‘King James version’ The best of Matthew Henry’s Notes in a Handy One Volume Reference Bible, World Bible Publishers, Inc; 1994, Iowa Falls, U.S.A.
4. David Seeking A Heart Like His, ‘Beth Moore’ Life Way Christian resources, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010, pgs: 206-210.
5. Jay E. Adams, ‘Critical Stages of Biblical Counseling’ Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started, (New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002, p.6-7)
6. Jay E. Adams, ‘How to Help People Change’ The Four-step Biblical Process, (Grand rapids: Zondervan, 1986, p. 20-28)
7. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty, ‘Introduction To Biblical Counseling’, “A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling”(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers,1994, P. 76-77)
8. Jay E. Adams, ‘The Christian Counselor’s Manual, The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973, p. 15-16, 21-23; 92-97)
9. Jay E. Adams, ‘Lectures on Counseling’ (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203)
10. The Holy Bible, New King James version, Women of Destiny Bible, “Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures” A Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, Copyright 1982.