Dealing With Man's Basic Fundamental Need In Order To Make A Person Whole
The topic under discussion here is one from which many psychologists and psychiatrists run away and yet it is central when it comes to the restoration and wholeness of an individual. When will the professionals face up to and confront men's basic fundamental need. Read and and contact me if I am wrong. Challenge me, because in this area I cannot afford to be misleading.
Deciding or choosing regarding important matters is often underestimated. The importance of decision must never be minimised. Some think it so depends upon emotion, but that is not true. "If I do not feel it, then it is not there it is not right," is dangerous way to live.
Emotion has a part to play but it is not the decisive part. What decides is the will. It is the will that enable us to make the decisions for us.
The Psalmist in the Old Testament knew some vital truths which we tend to overlook or even ignore today. In Psalm 103, David speaks about how Almighty God forgives - heals - redeems - crowns - satisfies - and renews. He heals. We each need to know that but when we reach a certain age we need to know too that He renews. I know I need to know that He renews me when I become worn out, weary or tired. Many today are motivated by - I want - I think - I feel. These are very human and natural characteristics. Making important decisions almost brings us into a different realm.
If we don't make decisions, we can be like a leaf in stream, just getting carried along wherever it goes - into an eddy or into some backwater just going round and round - or more serious - over rocks and rapids and out of your control.
Almighty God said to Moses and I share these words with you - God wants you to be the head and not the tail. There is a tremendous difference. The head makes decisions, but the tail just gets carried around.
Consider for a moment this crucial matter of Repentance. Repentance is the product of decision - changing your mind - walking one way and now you are turning around and walking the other way. Repentance is mind and action. You decide to turn around - and then you turn around.
The Prodigal Son in Luke Chapter 15 decided, "I will arise and go to my father". He made the decision and he arose and did it - that is Repentance. He wanted out of the mess he had got himself into!
The first step back to God is Repentance, and it is emphasised in the New Testament.
John the Baptist's message in one word was "Repent". Jesus Christ's first word was similar. You can check it out in Mark Chapter 1.
So many problems could be and would be eliminated if people repented.
The risen and resurrected Jesus speaks about Repentance and Forgiveness being preached - note the order. He begins with Repentance and Forgiveness - and not Faith as so many assume.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter's answer to those who had come to believe and who wanted to do something was, "Repent and be baptised and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Check it out in Acts Chapter 2. Check out everything because the matter is far too serious to go without critical examination.
There may be a significant and relevant word of encouragement to someone reading this article which will lead to the resolution of a long standing problem. God is in the business of answering and solving problems and difficulties at the deepest of levels - and this is but a mere introduction.
Sandy Shaw
Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.
His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.
Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com