Category: Biblical Counseling
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him, you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;” Colossians 2:8-10 NASB
I thought about opening this blog post with Paul’s words from Acts 20:29-30, but that might be a bit more intense than what is required for the concerns on my heart, maybe not. I leave it to you to decide.
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Acts 20:29-30 NASB
SEE TO IT THAT NO ONE TAKES YOU...
Recently I googled “Biblical Counselors in my area” and was presented with a list of agencies that classify themselves as biblical counselors. It was alarming that, as I looked at the staff bios, and services offered, none of them (except ours) offer anything remotely resembling biblical counseling. I believe these folks are well-meaning and think they are providing counsel that is biblical, but it seems the phrase, "biblical counseling" has been hijacked and is being twisted outside of its original context. Sadly, even among some within our own ranks.
This is not a new concern. The camel's nose has been in the tent since the inception of biblical counseling. I am deeply concerned that some who call themselves biblical counselors are embracing practices, theories, methodologies (scientism, enneagrams, EMDR), and other tools and methods that are outside the scope of true biblical counseling. The use of personality tests and such--especially those with their roots in the occult and eastern mysticism--ought not to be entertained by those entrusted with the care of souls.
There are two divergent methods of counseling, one that is man-centered and one that is God-centered. They are not the same.
MAN-CENTERED
Integrated and secular counseling are both based on humanistic, psychological theories that change frequently. They are driven by culture and worldly viewpoints about what is right or wrong. There is no call for internal change, only external conformity to a flexible standard in order to
- Make a better society, and
- Help a person feel better about who they are.
These counseling systems promote the idea that the Bible is inadequate to help people with serious problems. They substitute a system which depends on human understanding and ability for spiritual truth. They chafe at the thought of an absolute authority outside of ourselves. Such self-centered counseling is oppositional to the Christian life.
...AND IN HIM YOU HAVE BEEN MADE COMPLETE
The Christ follower is not to indulge in self-sufficiency, be led by his or her self-will, or seek self-esteem. We are called to reject such psychological and unbiblical counsel because it contrasts with what Jesus said in Luke 9:23–24.
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it." Luke 9:23-24
In this passage, we are instructed to deny ourselves. In fact, the Christian is to not only to deny himself, but he is also to die to himself! This is utterly contrary to secular thinking.
THE FOUNDATION
The foundation of biblical counseling is the Bible. It is in the Bible we see who we are apart from Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3), and who we are in Christ (1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:7, Colossians 3:12). We know this is true, for God cannot lie (Titus 1:2, Psalm 119:160). The Bible is sufficient to train in all things pertaining to life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16). We find within Scripture all the commands and principles necessary for people to live honorable lives with increasing conformity to God’s ideal. Who are we to “improve” upon God’s plan for helping people change?
The Bible is sufficient.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”Psalms 19:7-11 NASB
HEART-LEVEL CHANGE
Biblical counseling is centered on spiritual growth and change at the heart level that leads to change in life. The biblical counselor teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). We do this in love and with gentleness. Biblical counseling is confrontational, and our aim is transformation.
We offer our struggling friend hope and encouragement through the Scriptures. We show them that transformation and change are possible when they are in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We urge them to commit to a course of change that includes putting off the old man, being renewed in the spirit of the mind and putting on the new man (Ephesians 4:23–24).
The ministry of biblical counseling is about teaching a person how to glorify God by how they live their lives. When the aim of the counselee changes from how I can feel better about my situation to one of a desire to grow and change to become Christ-like, wonderful things will happen.
Biblical counseling is discipleship. Discipleship is a role that has been given to the church. Colossians 3:12–17 is the call to the church for counseling one another. Let us examine ourselves to be sure we are not mixing the world into the purity of the Word as we serve the hurting people entrusted to us for soul care.
