What's wrong & I want the Remedy!

[I apologise before hand for the length of this post.]

“Why do you hurt the people you love the most?
Why do you feel compelled to do things you know are bad for you?
Where does irrational behavior come from?
Well, you can relax. It doesn't come from you.”

So says the church of scientology which claims;

"The fact is, there is a single source of all your problems, stress, unhappiness and self-doubt. It’s called the reactive mind - the hidden part of your mind that stores all painful experiences and then uses them against you.”

I was handed a newspaper type flyer in Lisburn on Saturday that seemed to be about stress but then went on to say such things and claim that ‘Dianetics’ is the answer to all our problems! Apparently part of our mind called the ‘reactive mind’ is to blame; it comes into action when we are stressed, in pain or suffering in any other way and then on has power to control our emotions, thoughts & actions!

Here’s what I concluded about this; “It’s a lie and yet another false religion offering false hope and feel good therapy”.

The short answer to why we do wrong, suffer etc is “Sin”.

Since Adam (the first man) sinned against God we have been separate from God and slaves to sin! Our sin nature leads us to continually choose to do things we know are bad for us, hurt people we love and hold to bizarre irrational behaviors. This is the SINGLE SOURCE of all our problems.

[To clarify, I'm not saying that everything bad that happens to us is a direct consequence for a particular sin but it is a consequence of sin generally and us all being guilty of it.]

And the answer to our problems is not to forget our past pain and sufferings but to bring them to Christ. Anyone who claims that they have a product that will keep you from ever again suffering, that will cause you get all your needs, wants and to fulfill all your dreams and desires is a liar! And even as I say that Christ is the answer to your (and my) needs I do not promise that He will cure all your illnesses, prevent you from suffering nor give you everything you want.

But here’s the deal; He lived a completely righteous life, without sin. He was nailed to a cross where God the Father poured all His wrath and punishment over our sin upon Jesus and after 3 days dead Jesus rose again, conquering death on our behalf and making the path open for us to be reunited with God in forgiveness and love!

Jesus does not bring health wealth and prosperity, He brings forgiveness of sin, unity with God and eternal life. Often, and for many even being a Christian means they will suffer at the hands of others. Hebrews 11:35-38 gives some examples of the painful lives of believers before us;

"others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.”

Why should we be different from those who followed Jesus before we did?

I would say that Jesus brings meaning and purpose to our sufferings, He works all things for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

I have been a Christian now for quite some time, I’ve suffered the loss of an unborn child, illnesses (nothing serious but cold and flu’s, runny dunnies etc). Often we are short of cash and there are many things that I’d like but will never have!

However I know that this life and all that is in it, my body, wealth, possessions etc will not last forever. I will die, so will loved ones; possessions will rust or brake but Jesus will always be there! One million years from now I will still be with Him, living in His presence in paradise. And for now I trust Him to lead me and guide me, to love me and teach me, and if He leads me to suffer that I may get closer to Him or learn something, then as long as He is with me I will love Him!

Jesus changes us as we follow and trust Him, giving us new desires and longings, transforming our lives.
Have I hurt loved ones? Yes, and I still do, but by God’s grace those moments are getting less and He is changing my desires, actions, thoughts and emotions to be more like Jesus!

Am I perfect? NO, and I’m far from it, I deserve judgement and hell. But Jesus brings forgiveness, he has placed a desire within to strive towards it, and for all my sins…well He has dealt with them upon the cross and His righteousness is credited to me!

If you hurt the people you love the most, feel compelled to do things you know are bad for you, have irrational behavior. Well, you can relax. Jesus can help, He can forgive all that you’ve done wrong and He can change you and make you a more loving and sound person who seeks to follow Him!