Many do NOT see the importance of language. Words point us in a direction. They are NOT neutral. For biblical counselors, we are constantly redefining and renaming psychological observations and descriptions with biblical words for the heart issues behind the behaviors (like using the word “habitual” rather than “compulsive” and calling something a “sin” rather than a “disease”).
For example, the label OCD offers no hope to a counselee. While it is a valid observation of someone caught in the HABITUAL behaviors stemming from the heart issues of the love of control OR inordinate fear, OCD is a hopeless diagnosis. The only hope for OCD in the worldly sense, is medication because it is a supposed lifelong “disease” and “disorder” – Christ is NOT an answer of hope for the worldly psychologist treating this problem.
Not so for a biblical counselor. We see OCD (that is non-organic, and most cases are!) as a sin issue of the heart. A Christian counselee must confess their thoughts as sin against a holy God – sins of loving control, focusing upon self more than Christ (idolatry), sins of action stemming from inordinate fear, etc. Some think this is harsh but it is life-giving to those who know Christ because He died for our sins and enables us to have the power to overcome our sins!!!
In fact, the Bible offers practical help to overcome thoughts that lead to the description of OCD so that a believer who wants to fight it, can do so by the power of the Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:22-24 gives us one tool to overcome the description of OCD.
Biblical counselors agree with the description of OCD – same behavioral problems and problematic thought patterns are described.
However, biblical counselors DISAGREE with the prescription for OCD – proponents of psychology can only offer medications that have numerous side effects and only slow down the problem. Truly biblical counselors work with the heart and thoughts of those who struggle with OCD and watch Christ bring real hope and help to the struggling person.
OCD is a real description for hurting souls. The real prescription is found in the person of Christ and His infallible Word of Truth: the Bible. You have to use biblical words to address the problem in a hopeful way – or else there is no hope.
-Mark (thankful to the many who are battling OCD and overcoming it without medications and to the glory of God)
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Mark,
I am thrilled to have read this today. While reading up on heart issues and looking for some good articles to pass on to those who attend our Saturday Bible Study in a large regional shopping mall, I literally stumbled upon it . . . . obvious the Spirit had much to do with it!! Hallelujah.
I remember the day in the fall of 1979 when my wife and I first began turning our hearts toward Christ through His Grace that I became aware of my OCD symptoms. Looking back now I can see both my carnal fears and sin and prompting from our common enemy, Satan’s, involvement CLEARLY.
In reading this piece this afternoon I am on my knees in tears before the Lord, confessing and repenting of my sin, all these years. I never knew . . . I simply swallowed the worldy wisdom that it was a “disease” I’d have to live with.
Well, as of today, this very moment I am deceived no longer, the enemy has no power over me in this area. I am free in Christ, never to be drawn back into this darkness.
I plan on sharing this testimony with everybody I know, as they have known for years of my “problem”. They, like me, will be glad to know that I am free. I am so very thankful Mark that I found this today as my life is truly changed. I will be able to serve Him in freedom and joy and peace such as I have not known.
Thank you very much for your faithfulness. Thank you Jesus!!
God bless you.
J.P.