Discovering the Character of God: A Guide for Biblical Counselors
In the enlightening article “Discover the Character of God,” Dale Johnson from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s character for effective biblical counseling. Johnson argues that diligent Bible study is crucial not only for identifying remedies but also for understanding the context of human brokenness and suffering.
The Role of Exegesis in Counseling
Johnson begins by underscoring the importance of exegesis in biblical counseling. He warns against using the Bible merely as a manual of remedies, akin to a Google search engine. Instead, he advocates for a deeper engagement with Scripture that prioritizes understanding over immediate solutions. This approach prevents counselors from making hasty, potentially misguided conclusions about their counselees’ problems, as exemplified by the story of Job’s counselors. These counselors, though well-meaning, failed to provide true comfort because they sought quick fixes without grasping the underlying causes of Job’s suffering.
Understanding Human Brokenness
A critical aspect of counseling, Johnson notes, is accurately understanding the causes of human brokenness. While cultural tools like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) categorize human problems, they often miss the biblical context of suffering and sin. Johnson stresses that biblical counselors should delve into Scripture to comprehend the deeper issues of the human heart. He highlights that human brokenness stems from both sin and the effects of the Fall, which causes disorder in our lives.
The Biblical Metanarrative
Johnson points out that the Bible offers a metanarrative that provides context for all human brokenness. This grand narrative reveals consistent patterns of disorder and suffering, helping counselors understand the causes and appropriate remedies for their counselees’ issues. By grounding their understanding in this biblical context, counselors can avoid the pitfalls of worldly perspectives that struggle to define “normal” human functioning.
Christ as the Standard
Central to Johnson’s argument is the idea that Jesus Christ represents the standard of normal human functioning. As the image of the invisible God, Jesus perfectly reflects God’s character. Therefore, the goal of progressive sanctification is to conform believers to the image of Christ. This conformity involves a transformation that enables believers to reflect God’s glory accurately. Johnson asserts that any deviation from this reflection indicates a disorder in our inner being, often due to sin or a flawed understanding of our suffering.
The Importance of God’s Character
Understanding God’s character is paramount in biblical counseling. Johnson explains that reflecting God’s character is essential for living according to our created design. When counselors focus on God’s character, they provide a proper context and meaning to their counselees’ struggles. This approach ensures that counseling begins and ends with the Lord, guiding individuals towards a more accurate reflection of God’s glory.
Conclusion
Dale Johnson’s article “Discover the Character of God” offers valuable insights into the foundational role of understanding God’s character in biblical counseling. By emphasizing diligent Bible study, a deep understanding of human brokenness, and the importance of reflecting Christ, Johnson provides a robust framework for counselors. This framework not only addresses immediate problems but also fosters long-term spiritual growth and transformation.
For a more detailed exploration, read the full article by Dale Johnson here.
