Wise Counsel Part 3
The Goal That Misses The Mark
Freud did not discover a cure, he invented a disease. Commenting on his method, he said; “There is no cure, but perhaps I can transform unbearable unhappiness into simple human misery.” Freudian Psychology was contrived out of a desire to help people feel better. This is the prime mover of most Common Counsel. It’s also the main reason people “sign up” so readily for the disease. It usually plateaus at the level of just feeling better however.
Pharmaceuticals are prescribed in therapy so immediately and so indiscriminately today for the same reason. Our current opioid epidemic is no mystery with the need to just feel better being so acute. Thank God, for these “first responders” to emotional distress and the chemical imbalances that some of them may help. But drugs and therapy can only bring you so far. Our need goes far beyond just feeling better.
Higher Ground
Joy and peace are crucial necessities to balanced body chemistry, emotional stability and a sound mind. We are designed to operate with a full tank of peace and joy in our lives. Just like a car requires gas and oil, we don’t run well without them. As for feeling better, nothing feels healthier or does more good than the surging vitality of God’s peace. And the heartfelt Joy of The Lord is the most inspiring and satisfying high in the universe.
The premise of Godly Counsel is that true peace and joy are fruits of right relationship with our Maker and His world. The promise of Godly Counsel is the functionality of that relationship with permanent, ever increasing benefits like peace and joy. This isn’t just a temporary fix for bad feelings but rather, the resolution and replacement of what causes bad feelings. Unlike Freud’s method, Godly Counsel does minister the cure. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The Formula for Conflict Resolution
A simple formula diagrams the challenge in conflict resolution;
A + B x C = D
(A) a challenge in life, (B) plus a wrong response to that challenge, (C) multiplied by self-pity, (D) equals depression.
In other words, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That’s a right response of maturity and good character.
But what if you go sour instead, and respond otherwise as in anger or rebellion?
Example;
What if you hate God because you have a big nose (A + B). The conflicts from poor self-esteem can be numerous and far reaching. Clearly the problem is not your nose but your anger. There is a better response than hating God and it will dramatically impact every one of those other conflicts. You’re not the first person to have a nose challenge and it could possibly be turned into an asset, if you’re open to Godly Counsel, i.e. seeing things from God’s point of view.
If you incubate your bitterness however, by feeling sorry for your poor self, you will accelerate the poisoning of your life (C). Eventually, you’ll need something to make you feel better (D). Maybe therapy, maybe lots of it. Or maybe even lots of “Jack Daniels,” which can multiply your conflicts.
The problem is never the problem, the problem is our response to the problem.
It’s crucially important to distinguish between what pampers our feelings, and what resolves our conflicts. It’s equally important to recognize our natural inclination toward self-pity that makes us so eager for the pampering. Superior, permanent feelings await us on the path of Godly Wisdom.
Wise counsel is gentle and merciful because it comes from Christ. His concern is certainly for our feelings, but it’s also for our success. He’s a good shepherd so He gently leads from the front and by example. Thankfully, we can just ask Him about His nose.
Continued in Wise Counsel Part 4 Godly Counsel vs. Common Counsel
https://hedoesallthings.com/truth-be-told/wise-counsel-part-4