Current Events Monday: Responding to Mental Health Crises
Events both at home and abroad over the past weekend reminded us of an ongoing crisis in our society concerning mental health and public safety. For instance Delta Flight 386 from LAX fortunately made a safe landing at Albuquerque on Friday after a passenger stormed the cockpit. A later statement from Delta indicated that the passenger experienced a mental issue and posed no threat to anyone but himself. Similarly, Austin police responded to a disturbed man who barricaded himself in an apartment last evening. Law enforcement resolved the potentially dangerous situation in a matter of hours.
We are thankful that larger groups of people experienced little to no discomfort from these incidents, yet the mental illness pandemic rages on. While we should avoid getting into the weeds of scientific discussions and talk of various mental illnesses in this article, let’s take a few moments to review ways we can respond effectively and biblically to those who experience diseases of the mind.
First, take note of Jesus’ approach to people who were unwell. Jesus undoubtedly encountered people who dealt with severe seasons of crisis. It is important to remember that Jesus’ approach was one of tremendous patience and love. In other words, there is absolutely no biblical evidence in the ministry of Jesus that he deemed mental illness a sin. In fact, Jesus was much more hesitant than we are to place the blame of mental and physical illnesses on someone’s sin (John 9:3).
One of the chief examples of Jesus’ approach is found in Mark 5:1-20. A person had basically been abandoned by his community in a cemetery. Jesus got to the root of the problem and healed the man in such a way as to provide the man clarity of thinking and hope for a joyous future. Jesus, in fact, encouraged the man to bear witness for the rest of his life about the mercy of God. This situation clearly reveals that Jesus longs for us to be health in body, soul, and mind. If, one the one hand, our sadness and anxiety take a dark turn, you can be certain that Jesus is present with you. He is not against you. If, on the other hand, you encounter those dealing with mental illness, keep in mind that Christ can use you in a loving and effective way.
Second, Jesus knows all our troubles. Jesus’ experiences especially in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross reveal just how dark some moments became for the Lord. Our Christian faith is obviously not an escape from troubles. Some do-gooder tv preachers may try to slick people into believing that they can have total heaven on earth at the cost of a few bucks, but this just isn’t true. Quick fixes never work in this arena of life. However, as we walk day-by-day with Jesus, we find the strength to endure. He knows every bit about our minds and can carry us. How may you encourage someone to find strength in Him today?
Third, remember that God’s grace is for everybody. We sometimes look more favorably on those who seem to “have it all together.” We can even get to a point of thinking that God has grace for others who have worked hard enough for it. Isn’t it interesting however that Jesus’ closest followers didn’t have it together? In fact, most of them did not comprehend fully about Jesus until well after his resurrection. Let’s remember that God is not some spiritual and psychological prankster. The “good life” is not one which we earn by some cleverness of thought and deed. In this case, the cross is the great equalizer. All are called to come to Christ by way of the cross—meaning that our trite sayings and judgmental attitudes towards those with mental illness is quite unfounded.
Fourth, Jesus modeled mentally healthy behaviors. Consider his attendance of get-togethers and parties. Jesus not only made attempts to be social, but he attended these fellowships in order to provide reprieve and healing for the disheartened (Luke 5:31). Yet, we should not forget that Jesus took much time to slow down and pray in quiet, undisturbed hours of silence and reflection. These times seemed to reenergize him for long seasons of ministry to the masses. As we pattern our lives on Christ, it is quite helpful to keep in mind his rhythm and routine of prayer and ministry.
I trust and pray that recent events regarding mental health crises serve to convict us regarding the need to share the love and mercy of God with those around us.