Why It's Important That Your Counselor Has a Biblical Worldview, Part 2

This article is part 2 of a 4 part series, where we are looking at how worldview affects counseling practices. Last month we answered the worldview question, “Who made us or how did we get here?” If we have a creator (a holy, loving, and just God) then we can look to him and his word to give us truth when life feels chaotic. If your counselor does not believe in a creator, then what follows is that life is a product of random biological processes and individuals must create their own meaning. If you are seeking someone to help you think rightly about the current circumstance in your life that is causing distress, then think about the differences between the worldviews and how that affects the way they help you. 

Who am I and what is my purpose?

This month we will answer the questions, “Who am I and what is my purpose in life?” The biblical framework with which to explain what it means to be human and what our purpose in life is can be explained in four terms: creation, fall, redemption, and glorification. 

1. Creation– mankind was created in God’s image. Before the first humans sinned, they were able to walk and talk with God, thereby revealing that we are created for intimate fellowship with the God of the universe. (Gen 1:26-27; Gen 5:1; Gen 9:6; James 3:9) 

2. The Fall– mankind, since the fall and because of original sin, is born into sin and is by our nature deserving of God’s wrath. Our perfect fellowship with God was broken. (Rom 3:10; Rom 3:23; Eph 2:1; Ps 51:5)

3. Redemption– mankind can be free from the power and penalty of sin because Jesus came as a man to live a perfect life in our place, die on the cross and suffer God’s wrath that we deserve, and rise from the tomb and ascend to heaven so we can be justified and united with him in righteousness. Because of Jesus’ atoning work, we can have a personal relationship with God and live for him. (Romans 6; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Cor 10:31)

4. Glorification– mankind will one day again enjoy perfect fellowship with God, dwell with him forever, be free of sin, and have resurrected bodies. This promise is for those who by grace have placed their faith in Christ alone for salvation. (John 3:16; Rev 21:3; 1 Cor 15:53)

If you as a counselor believe the above framework about the nature and purpose of man, here are some implications for counseling.

 

–You can counsel others to treat everyone in their life with dignity, even those who don’t “deserve it.”

–You can help people see that their goal in life is to glorify God and become more Christ-like.

–You can help people see that they are not inherently good which will help them understand any guilt or sinful shame they experience.

–You can encourage people that as Christians, they can overcome even lifelong patterns of sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

If you are a person receiving counseling, here are some concepts you might learn if your counselor does not have a biblical worldview.

–You do not have to love your enemy.

–Your goal in life should be to know and live out your true self.

–The end goal of counseling may be your happiness, peace, or comfort.

–You may receive helpful ways to modify behavior but not understand true heart change.

If you are in need of counseling, I believe the biblical worldview will offer you hope and help. Since we live in a fallen world, you will likely suffer from the sin of those around you but the good news is you don’t need to suffer needlessly from your own sin. There is hope that being in Christ will give you victory over sin. Another reason for hope is that you don’t have the pressure to create your own identity or purpose; knowing God and living for Him is what will bring you true freedom and joy. 

Written by Casey Davidson