Jesus Did Not Die for Stress Relief

I was reading a fascinating book this week in which the author, a noted psychologist, complains that the field of psychology is no longer a science or a discipline, but has evolved into a religion. He observes that most of what passes for "therapy" today is actually self-worship hiding behind terms like self-actualization, self-discovery, and self-esteem.

I could sympathize deeply with him because I have a similar frustration. I think something very similar has occurred in the realm of Christianity. Much of what passes for "worship" today has very little to do with God at all, and is much more about self-motivation, self-help, and self-discovery. It's all about marketing church involvement to people who see themselves as consumers rather than disciples. It's useful to forget about sin and even the cross because the god that American worshippers have imagined is a distant deity who can't demand much at all. His assigned job is making us feel better.

It's true that Isaiah 53:5 explains "By his stripes we are healed." But you only have to read the next verse to realize he's not talking about treating cancer or depression. "All we like sheep have gone astray," Isaiah continues, "We have turned every one to our own way. And upon Him God has laid the iniquity of us all." In other words, Jesus didn't die to heal something any first year medical student could fix with a prescription. He didn't die so that you and I could be healed of loneliness. The sickness that he died to heal is more profound than all that: it's sin sickness. Christ died so that you and I could be justified and reconciled to our heavenly father.

It's true that other places in Scripture do address earthly health problems. David confesses in Psalm 103:3 that God has forgiven his sins and healed his diseases. Of course we all know that the Creator of the Universe can heal any disease and repair any problem. We commonly pray about those very things. But those benefits are simply by-products of living in tune with the the Creator of the Universe.

Because I believe every word in the Bible, I have no doubt that Jesus healed leprosy, blindness, and a host of other tragic physical afflictions. And in my own life, I have seen God answer prayers and heal cancer, heart disease, and all manner of addictions. But when I start promising instant pain relief to everyone who comes to church, I am dishonoring God, deceiving consumers, and watering down the Gospel.

Never forget that Stephen died young, a victim of stoning. Paul was beheaded. And Simon Peter was crucified, apparently upside down. The historic Christian faith has always set the followers of Christ at odds with their culture. Jesus calls us to a cross, not a spa. And on those occasions when he comforts us, it's clearly for one purpose: that we can rush back onto the field of battle and bring some other fallen soul to safety.