<> Ask the Pastor Rev. Walter Snyder Good morning from Chickenpox Central. To concerned parents, the sores on our children assume "Biblical" proportions they are numbered "like the stars in the sky" or like the "sands on the seashore." And speaking of health, let's look at our first question of the week. Q: Has exercising gone too far? Do Christians ignore 1 Timothy 4:8, "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things"? If we don't get much from exercise, how can we continue to invest so much in it? A: Let's first consult a more modern translation than the King James Version you quote. Paul doesn't exclude exercise. The RSV says, "Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [Verses 7b-8]" We don't despise exercise. Paul even uses athletics to illustrate the life of faith (i.e. the runner and the boxer). Still, the major focus of the Christian should be on godliness, which is being forgiven by God for Christ's sake and living a life that responds in thanksgiving. Our bodies are, as Scripture says, temples of the Holy Spirit, so regular maintenance will both benefit us and please God. Only make sure of a proper balance. Q: How do we relate God with psychology and psychiatry? A: Answers vary from, "Don't trust any counsel except Scripture," to, "Use whatever's at your disposal, God intends it all for good." The truth is found somewhere between the poles. Some counselors refuse to believe in evil, personal guilt, or accountability before God. I'm concerned about anyone who categorically tries to remove guilt rather than confronting the sinful behavior causing it and bringing forgiveness. Too many counselors take the approach, "There's nothing to feel guilty about, so let's help you get over it." This ignores sin and temptation of the devil, this fallen world, and our own sinful flesh. It glosses over God's judgment of sin. Worst of all, it removes the Savior and His forgiveness won on Calvary from the picture. Excesses of psychology and psychiatry are recorded in many places. The most thorough research is probably from a husband and wife team, the Bobgans. Their initial book, Psycho-Heresies, has been followed by others. Easily read, they also fill their books with documentation of their claims that much counseling is contrary to God's Word. So-called "Christian Counseling" can involve taking almost everything the world has to offer, covering it in Christian clothes, and using it to "heal" those damaged in mind and emotions. The "Focus on the Family" empire of James Dobson was built in large part by doing this very thing. We need to carefully work through what is offered for our healing. Is it necessary? Is it appropriate? Does it square with God's Word? Would I be better served by addressing and confessing my own sins? Ignoring all psychology has to offer is an alternative to accepting every therapy under the sun but we risk ignoring what's beneficial and in accord with the will of God. Counseling and medical treatment can help behavioral disorders such as addiction, depression, bi-polar disease, and more. Yet even when we are receiving medical, psychiatric, or psychological help for these afflictions, regular conversation and counsel with our ministers and other Christians about the spiritual dimensions of these problems is also needed. My family physician is one to whom I turn. A strong Christian, she's also a good listener and counselor, and has a healthy streak of common sense. She knows, me, my family, and my work. Still, I also use "the mutual conversation and consolation of the saints." I confess my sins to God and to those I've offended. I use my brother pastors, as well. When they hear me confess those things for which I am sorry, they speak Christ's words of forgiveness, healing, and peace to me and I continue on my way in good cheer. That's it for now. Have a blessed week in the Lord! You can submit your questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951. Computer users can e-mail xrysostom@aol.com. Or you can stop me on the street and "Ask the Pastor." Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Jasper and Faith Lutheran Church, Woodville and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1995 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.