Don’t ‘under-spiritualize’

As I read the letters in response to the one I submitted Feb. 4, I was surprised that my words did not come across with the precision and clarity I had intended. My letter was not written to offend anyone, but in an attempt to offer the only medicine I know to be effective when it comes to the battleground of the mind.

Though I offered my comment on the source of depression as a general statement, I highlighted the particular sins pastors face, sins that are symptomatic, not problematic. If we try to please people instead of God, that is sin. If we are too proud to seek the aid of the Savior or the church, we are in sin. When we trust our own abilities more than we trust God, it is sin. Pastors who find these patterns of behavior in their lives are bound to become depressed.

The responses to my letter (Feb. 18) reinforce the reality of the major criticism I offered. There is a dangerous under-spiritualization going on in our world and our churches. I do not disagree with Dr. Crowe that depression has both interior and exterior sources. My contention is that those interior feelings of depression come when I transgress against my Creator, or when I realize how much I trusted my weak abilities rather than trusting Christ.

If a test were performed on my brain after such a failure on my part, I am sure it would show a chemical imbalance; the anguish comes from knowing I offended my Savior. I also do not disregard that we have heinous exterior actions committed against us. But are not abuse, violence and even the horrors of a just war spiritual sins resulting from the fall?

Brothers Padgett and Thornton point out that suffering in silence due to sin committed against us causes depression. Such acts affect us spiritually, producing shame and a need to hear someone say they accept us just the way we are. Who better to say that than our Savior and his people? Dr. Hayes mentioned Luke 8, and I agree with him that Luke did not call the demoniac to repentance; however, he certainly did not misdiagnose him with a mental illness. The Bible says the man was demon-possessed, so Jesus cast out the demons. Jesus dealt with this spiritual affliction spiritually. Further, Dr. Hayes asks how one can remain in spiritual bondage after accepting Christ. Baptist doctrine holds that Christians can fall into sin that will affect the spiritual grace and physical/mental comfort they experience here and now. Finally, in response to Brother Boggs, I am not qualified to make any judgment of you. I certainly agree with you that the love and compassion we experience from God and his people is a balm that enables us to find healing.

When I feel depressed, I can ignore the spiritual realities to my feelings, or I can cry out to Jesus, relying on the promise that comes from repentance and faith. When physical ailments factor into depression and I ignore spiritual factors, I may become physically healed, but the mental anguish will remain. If sin is committed against me and I harbor unforgiveness, I will never receive the relief and acceptance I need. Even though I have experienced Christ’s saving work in my life, I am still a sinful wretch. It is that same transformative love of God that saved me for which I cry out to save me from such depression. Like David after his sin with Bathsheba, I should cry out for God to create a clean heart. Like Elijah, who feared Jezebel to the extent that he ran away and cried out for God to take his life, I sometimes need to experience God’s ministry to my heart through his still small voice. Like the great Charles Spurgeon, who in his depression realized his life was being consumed with business, I may need to step out in faith and minister to the least of us to remind me of God’s great grace (see “Morning and Evening in August” on Proverbs 11:25). It is the spiritual reality of my reconciliation with God and continued trust in him that brings the greatest relief.

Remember the spiritual causes; do not neglect spiritual relief! This is the counsel I offer to ministers and members who find themselves caught in depression.

 

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