What minister who has the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God has not been confronted with perplexing and distressing problems in counseling with members of his congregation? Many of these problems have their foundation in the mind and can be dealt with properly only by one who has some understanding of the principles upon which the mind works. An understanding of these principles is the privilege and duty of every minister. Ellen G. White most aptly presents the problem thus:
"Men, women, and youth, by dwelling upon themselves, think they are in a much worse condition than they really are. They nurse their ailments, and think of them, and talk of them, until their usefulness seems to be at an end. Many have passed into the grave when they might have lived, and ought to have lived. Their imagination was diseased. Had they resisted the disposition to yield to infirmities and be overcome by them; had they summoned to their aid the powers of the will, they might have lived to bless the world with their influence."—Health Reformer, vol. 3, No. 1, p. 2.
A greater challenge than this could scarcely be placed before those who are to do the work of Christ. The sufferings of the mind are great and have much to do with the physical wellbeing. Yet little thought and study have been given to this phase of ministry. Much effort, time, and planning are expended to make the campaigns of the church succeed; a ponderous weight of study in technique and large sums of money for equipment are placed in the hopper for evangelism, to bring a knowledge of the saving message of the gospel to a dying world. And rightly so ! But what thought and study have been given to prepare men to help those who are so desperately in need of guidance? These problems are met and stumbled through, and the people go away, having received little or no help, to continue their miserable existence, because no one was able to help them. The ministers and shepherds of the flock should shoulder this, responsibility very seriously. Again we quote :
"Workers of this character are needed now. Those who are men in the sight of God, and who are thus recorded in the books of heaven, are those who, like Daniel, cultivate every faculty in such a way as best to represent the kingdom of God in a world lying in wickedness. Progress in knowledge is essential; for when employed in the cause of God, knowledge is a power for good. The world needs men of thought, men of principle, men who are constantly growing in understanding and discernment."—Mrs. E. G. WHITE in Review and Herald, March to, 1903.
In no other field of our church activity is there greater need. If we are true shepherds, and not hirelings, we shall be concerned about the mental as well as the physical soundness of our sheep. Our interest in them and our labor for them will not cease when we have them within the fold. We must pray with them and for them, and guide their minds in a proper way to the great Life-giver.
Such work is ministry of the highest order, and it is an interesting fact that the present trend among physicians is to rely strongly on the work of the clergy for help in healing by correcting the mental attitudes. This, however, takes a keen understanding of human nature and the working of the mind, and a heart filled with the love of God. Consider the great need here presented:
"Satan is the originator of disease; and the physician [or minister] is warring against his work and power. Sickness of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here. Perhaps some living home trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the life forces. Remorse for sin sometimes undermines the constitution, and unbalances the mind."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 444.
Many a minister meets such problems and looks on, perhaps with an aching heart, but does not know what to do or say to relieve the strain and thus save a home and rescue souls for the kingdom of God.
"In the advancement of His cause in the earth, He would have men appointed to deal with the erring who will be kind and considerate, and whose characters reveal the similitude of the divine,—men who will show the wisdom of Christ in dealing with matters that should be kept private."—MRs. E. G. WHITE in Review and Herald, Nov. 14, 1907.
Few have realized the power of the mind or the work that can be accomplished through it. Thousands are suffering physically from mental causes. Many of these are in our churches and communities, and need the greatest care.
"Great wisdom is needed in dealing with diseases caused through the mind. A sore, sick heart, a discouraged mind, needs mild treatment. . . . It is through tender sympathy that this class of invalids can be benefited. The physician should first gain their confidence, and then point them to the great Healer."—Ministry of Healing, p. 244.
Although Mrs. White mentions physicians in relation to this type of work, what is said is likewise true of the work of the minister, for he comes in closer contact with the people as a whole than does the doctor. A true minister, or shepherd, should be able to do something for the sick and suffering who are members of his flock. In speaking of a specific case, the messenger of the Lord gives the following account :
"She need not linger along as she does, always sick, if you will all as a family heed the instructions given of the Lord. 'He that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him speak peace and ensue it ; for the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.' A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body, and strength to the soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness. Mental depression is terrible."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 702.
Again we are forced to say, What a challenge to the shepherds of the flock of God ! And we are led to ask, What preparation is needed to help in this needy field? Diseased minds are everywhere. They are not confined to hospitals and institutions. In speaking of the preparation that those need who care for such sufferers, Mrs. White says:
"It is highly important that a pastor mingle much with his people, and thus become acquainted with the different phases of human nature. He should study the workings of the mind, that he may adapt his teachings to the intellect of his hearers. He will thus learn that grand charity which is possessed only by those who study closely the nature and needs of men. '—Gospel Workers, p. 191.
"There will ever be things arising to annoy, perplex, and try the patience of physicians and helpers. They must be prepared for this, and not become excited or unbalanced. They must be calm and kind, whatever may occur. . . . They should ever consider that they are dealing with men and women of diseased minds, who frequently view things in a perverted light, and yet are confident that they understand matters perfectly.
"Physicians should understand that a soft answer turneth away wrath. Policy must be used in an institution where the sick are treated, in order to successfully control diseased minds and benefit the sick."—Counsels on Health. p. 350.
Much might be added to this discussion, but suffice it to say that in the light of these statements we believe there is valuable help to be gained by study in the field of psychology, when this knowledge is properly adapted and applied to our needs.
