The Christian’s Mental Health

John 10:1-10

Introduction

1.       The Bible provides answers to all the basic questions about life and health

2.       Jesus is the world’s greatest counselor – his advice is always appropriate

3.       Most of our problems originate in “stinkin’ thinkin’” – God tells us how we ought to think  

Discussion

1.       Good mental health requires that we accept our humanity

a.       Accepting our humanity means that we accept our emotions as being from God – anger, joy, hatred, love, sadness, depression, exhilaration – you can find all of these (or at least the possibility) in the life of Jesus  

b.       Accepting our humanity includes accepting our limitations – Phil 4:13 – limitations are contrary to “New Age” thinking in which man has become a god – note the devil’s remarks to Eve, “You shall be as god, knowing . . .”  

c.       Accepting our humanity includes rejecting all illusions

                                                            i.      “Happiness is found in enjoying things” – “You’ll be happy and successful if you buy . . .”

                                                           ii.      “I ought to be happy” – “I have a right to be happy” – Who gave you this right?

                                                         iii.      “If God loved me, He would give me happiness” – therefore if what I am doing makes me happy then God is pleased!? – conversely, if I am unhappy then I must not be pleasing God!?  

2.       Good mental health requires that we deal with guilt

a.       Dealing with “false” guilt – (a feeling of guilt that is not based on real sin)

                                                            i.      Guilt created by a failure to meet someone else’s expectations – of family, friends, the church, employers or even self

                                                           ii.      Guilt resulting from a failure to accept God’s forgiveness (or someone else’s)  

b.       Dealing with real guilt

                                                            i.      Obtaining forgiveness from others – this may not be possible

                                                           ii.      Obtaining forgiveness from God  

3.       Good mental health requires that we find a purpose for living

a.       When God made Adam and Eve, He placed them in a garden with responsibilities  

b.       Paul’s advice to the Corinthians – 1 Cor 15:58 – “abounding in the work of the Lord”  

c.       Paul’s advice to Timothy respecting overseers of the church – 1 Tim 3:1 – “it is a fine work he desires to do”  

d.       Paul’s advice to Timothy concerning himself – 2 Tim 4:5 – “fulfill your ministry”  

e.       There are things to do for your family, your neighborhood, your community, your church, your country  

Conclusion

1.       Being a Christian does not guarantee that we will not feel lonely, depressed, discouraged, angry and frustrated

2.       Being a Christian does offer solutions through the application of God’s Word to our problems

3.       Consider what Jesus offered – Matt 11:28-30 and John 10:10