Random Thoughts 301

Thought of the day;

Ever read a “self help” book, or watch one of these t.v. psychologists? A lot of this stuff is about developing a positive mental attitude through self talk. We have to convince ourselves that we are not so bad. That we are just fine.

Here’s an example of positive self talk from the bible;

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Here’s another;

God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.

See a difference?

It’s not just that we talk to ourselves but who we talk about to ourselves.

Here’s what the tax collector said and how Jesus saw the two men.

But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Here’s what the most prolific new testament writer said about himself;

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life”

Psychology has done great damage by denying a difference between soul and spirit. The scripture says;

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

In blurring the distinction between soul and spirit we’re trying to treat spiritual problems with soulish solutions.

Want to know why we’re having all these mass shootings? Why the divorce rate is so high? Why shacking up without real commitment is in vogue? Why we kill our preborn children by the thousands? Why we go to war for financial reasons? Why debt is our way of life? Why science has become a religion rather than a pursuit for truth?

In my opinion it’s because of the pseudo science of psychology.