Should Christians use Self Help books?
What are your thoughts on self help books or even like scientific based resources for better quality of life? I’ve always struggled with depression since I was a child and I would use these resources and methods to help which they sorta did, but ultimately it wasn’t until I truly accepted Jesus in my life that I’ve felt almost completely rid of depression overall. I still face some mental struggles due to trauma and just life overall and still seek Jesus first but I have been wanting to also combine both resources and my faith to combat my struggles, but is this right, am I putting my faith in something else over Jesus?
My thought process about this is Jesus will always provide for us. But did he give us access to these resources to be used, alongside his Word, or is it deception?
While I have 100% faith Jesus can heal me and release me from depression, I also just can’t sit around doing nothing and then expect to be healed. I would also compare this to being physcially sick, where if someone was to have a cold you wouldn’t tell them to just pray and have faith that Jesus will heal them. You would advise them to rest and take some medicine. I personally believe that, that same attitude should be applied to mental struggles and that there shouldn’t be guilt in expanding to outside resources as long as you’re not putting it over God and give him praise and glory at the end of the day. Thoughts? And please be kind.
A: The medicine we take would need to be the right prescription, and have a true purpose, not just take any medication and hope it works.
Avoid books by unsaved people because it decieves: nothing they can offer brings hope or solutions.
Only use Christian resources [there are plenty that address every issue] and counselors who are Bible focused... as they're strongly based on the biblical worldview, and can bring a proper solution to the matter, based on truth God has revealed.
*But not just from anyone who claims to be a "Christian" either, as there are false religions and cults masqurading as Christian writing books and giving advice. Even false churches either health& prosperity types or profit driven or progressives of whom none are Christian, but end up on bookshelf or worm their way into naive new and weak believers homes. And those duped by it then falsely recommend bad books to others too. I see it all the time online. Get recommendations from reputable godly leaders in your church, to ensure you stay within biblical Christian orthodoxy, and arent led astray.
As to prayer and action, yes, we must do the hard things to conquer problems and sins. Yes we need to examine ourselves in truth and follow God's plan for resolution/ restoration.
You can find vetted resources here to help with life issues, and proper counselors through the counseling directory there. Plus, the counselors section further addresses legit medical-mental issues related to the Fall. So it does encompass every area one would need addressed, to help.
God bless
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