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Self Help Programs Aren't Enough |
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Browse
the aisles of any large bookstore and you will see a very
large number of titles in the so-called "self-help"
section. This is big business, writing books that will
turn people's lives around, let them take charge, build
self-esteem and control their destinies. The public's
appetite for this is voracious.
Obviously, there wouldn't be a market unless there was a need.
Too many people are hurting, depressed, lacking direction
and fearing life.
It's easy for some of us to look at people who are messed
up and think if only they would do "such and such"
they'd be ok. You wish they'd stop feeling sorry for
themselves. Not be so fearful, so neurotic.
Deep psychological and emotional problems are not to be scoffed
at. Mental illness is real and can take various forms.
However, there are certainly a lot of people that could
be doing better by just taking more responsibility for
their actions. Owning up to the problems we've created
is a big step for some.
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I'm Ok, You're Ok? |
The
challenge of so-called self-help programs is that they
put the burden on the individual to get better. Usually
there are some formulas to reason out how to deal with
problems. Or the assurance that anyone can get better
and you aren't so bad. "I'm ok, you're ok".
The trouble with this approach is that it reinforces self-centeredness
and doesn't talk about looking for help from the One
who truly has the power to help. Where is God in all
of this?
Don't get me wrong. There are some good things in therapeutic
and psychological help books. I'm not condemning it
wholesale. Just watch out for all the fluff and psychobabble.
I really believe if more people looked to a relationship
with God and then searched out answers in places like
the Bible and from other committed believers we would
then see some remarkable results. The answer we are
given by society and the medical profession is too frequently
the latest pill. The help God gives is timeless…and
it's free!
Everyday is The Day
I,
for one, recognize that I need to be self-disciplined
and everyday there are things I can do that will result
in an improved attitude. It all comes down to recognizing
that there are certain things we can't change. Let go
of those. Certain things we can change. Should we? If
so, will we? Finding the wisdom to know what to do is
the key. The wisdom, I believe, comes from a divine
source.
So, get some conscious contact going each day with God.
Make time for the most important relationship you can
ever have. God's spirit -we call it the Holy Spirit-will
certainly lead you and give you the truth in all things
(John 16:13).
What you will discover is that you'll start craving a daily
communion with God. You'll want to read the Bible, pray
and get involved in helping others. The key to helping
ourselves is to help others.
Now that's real self-help.
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Scripture taken from the Holy
Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered
trademarks of International Bible Society. Use of either
trademark for the offering of goods or services requires
the prior written consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used
by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton,
IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting
place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life.
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PROVERBS 3:5-8
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"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not
depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all
you do, and he will direct your paths.
Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear
the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain
renewed health and vitality."
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(NLT)
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Recommended
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