Ignoring Warning Signs: When Faith is Not Enough
Depression, anxiety, and other emotional struggles often manifest through a series of warning signs. These can range from changes in mood and behavior to physical symptoms like chronic fatigue and unexplained pain. However, it’s quite common within Christian communities to bypass these warning signs, assuming that faith alone will resolve everything.
Scriptural Perspective
The Bible itself provides wisdom about heeding warnings and seeking counsel. Proverbs 27:12 says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This scripture emphasizes the importance of taking action when you see warning signs, rather than ignoring them.
When Faith Isn’t Enough
Faith is a cornerstone for any believer, but there is a fine line between faith and irresponsibility. Trusting God does not mean avoiding doctors, counselors, or ignoring symptoms of mental illness. Remember, even the Apostle Paul had his ‘thorn in the flesh’ and sought God’s intervention three times before accepting that it was a part of his life (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
James 2:17 makes it clear that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Faith should inspire action, not replace it. God has endowed professionals with the skills and knowledge to help those suffering from emotional or mental issues. Praying for guidance and utilizing available resources are not mutually exclusive but should complement each other.
Community Support
Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Being a part of a community means not only sharing each other’s burdens but also pointing out when someone might be ignoring warning signs. Love sometimes means having difficult conversations and encouraging the afflicted to seek help.
Conclusion
Ignoring warning signs and solely relying on faith can lead to detrimental consequences. It’s essential to balance faith with action, seeking God’s guidance while taking practical steps to address issues. The Christian journey is not about walking alone but walking in a community that looks out for each other, armed with both faith and wisdom.
An excerpt from the book “Unlocking Joy & Beating Depression“
Shalom
Osoria Asibor