Christianity and Mental Health: The Mind of Christ
As a Christian who struggles with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), I used to try to hide those issues because I had been taught by other Christians that struggling with my mental health meant a lack of faith in Christ. I had been told that as a Christian, I “have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). So, what does that mean exactly?
Here’s what I had thought having “the mind of Christ” meant:
I would never worry about anything.
My faith would be strong enough for me NOT to have any more struggles with mental health issues.
I would know the answers to a difficult test regardless of how hard I studied for that test.
I would understand ALL of God’s Word and have LOTS of Scripture memorized.
I turned 1 Corinthians 2:16 into a mental health and intellectual matter. If I meditated on that verse often enough (When is enough enough?), then I would have perfect mental health and superhuman intellectual intelligence.
Then, I came across this article on the Web: http://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/christian-mental-health-and-mental-illness/the-mind-of-christ-and-mental-illness22018
Now, I have learned that having the mind of Christ is not about finally having perfect mental health or superb intellectual intelligence, but about how God sees me as His child (Ephesians 1:4). When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I inherited ALL of Him: the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22); His mind (1 Corinthians 2:16); His spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12); His strength (Philippians 4:13); His identity (Colossians 2:10); His blessings (2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 1:3); and much more.
Having the mind of Christ reassures me that He is always with me and at rest within me (John 14:20). Christ is also my Hope (Romans 5:1-5); my Teacher (1 John 2:27); and my Comforter (John 14:16).
Now that I have the mind of Christ, I am a new creation in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). I no longer need to focus on past failures and instead, focus on my new life in Him. I am also worthy because of Him and redeemed!
After reading this article, I feel more secure in my relationship with God and my faith is
strengthened. I am free from the shame of dealing with mental health struggles and because of these struggles I want to share them with others.
