Part 1 – We’re always so excited when new believers join the family of God. If this is you, Welcome! You may be wondering if Scripture Therapy ‘works’ with new believers, or if it’s just for Christians who have a good grasp of Scripture. We’re delighted to tell you that Scripture Therapy is full of helpful principles that can be applied by everyone—new believers included!
Scripture Therapy takes the truths and promises from the Bible in combination with the complimentary Choice Theory psychology. As we (Les, and then later RoxAnne as well) became authorized to teach Choice Theory and administer Reality Therapy (the application of Choice Theory with individuals) we saw that the principles were Biblical, practical, and effective. With the Holy Spirit’s push, we’ve worked to develop these together, resulting in Scripture Therapy.
Freedom in Christ
One of the most exciting things about Scripture Therapy is the freedom we all have in Christ:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
What does this mean? And how does it fit with Scripture Therapy?
Since all things begin and end with God, we always start with what Scripture says. The verse above from Galatians tells us that we’ve been set free and we don’t need to be slaves anymore.
Freedom from the Penalty of Sin
When you decided to believe in Jesus and live your life for him, you were instantly freed from the penalty of your sins. Hallelujah! But you may already have noticed that it doesn’t mean you are instantly free of the things that drag you down. Don’t worry, you’re still saved! But you’re also still very much an imperfect human, just like the rest of us in the family of God.
Some people struggle to be free of addictions, bad habits, and toxic relationships. Other people struggle with less obvious challenges but challenges that can stop us from being free. Things like trying to please others, or worry about what people might think, or trying to live up to someone else’s expectations for you. All of these things take away our freedom.
Scripture Therapy shows us that we can all find true freedom in Christ. In the next few weeks, we’ll go into more detail, but we want to start now with the a most simple and profound principle:
Everything is a choice.
Freedom from Your Past
You may be stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts, bad habits, or insecurity. All of these things started with a choice. We don’t condemn you for these choices, and there’s no need to dwell on them or beat yourself up over them. It’s enough to know that you were trying to meet your needs when you made them. Now that you know they’re not working for you, you can change them by beginning to choose differently!
In Choice Theory psychology Dr. William Glasser showed that the things we choose to think about become the words we speak, our actions, and even our physiology! And we know that through the Holy Spirit, Scripture can reach us in this innermost place:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
Freedom to Create a Good Future
When you have made the choice to live in freedom, you can use Scripture to help you address your thoughts and intentions so that you can change your words and actions. We’ll go into this with specifics in the next few weeks.
For now, we want to leave you with the assurance that God has excellent plans to give you a good life. Take hold of Scripture to help you begin to know Him better and to find the freedom to live a joyful, fulfilling life.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
