When we have physical, mental or emotional difficulties, many of us have access to a wide variety of professional services. We sometimes question, however, just how far we should go in taking advantage of such services with respect to mental and emotional problems. As he has had much experience in pastoral counseling and some recent experience with physical illness, we have asked one of our committee members, Bro. Ken Curry, to comment on this matter. - Editor

Physical illness
The occurrence of serious medical illness is always a sobering experience. A person can be involved in many family and ecclesial activities. Then comes a medical report indicating there are potentially life-threatening issues needing attention. Everything changes! Attitudes change. Prayer intensifies. Friendships are enriched. Appreciation of God is enhanced. Lessons abound as the individual quietly considers and learns from such sobering issues.

There are practical matters to consider when addressing serious illness. The usual steps include intensive research to better understand the condition and investigate various available treatment options. Competent, professional medical help must be selected. Often these steps need to be done quickly, yet with care. While we will do what we can to find and obtain appropriate treatment the outcome of all matters is, of course, always in God’s oversight and care. Prayer is our ultimate resource.

Mental and emotional illness
Every bit as serious as physical illnesses are the mental and emotional illnesses that come into the lives of some. These conditions can be very distressing as symptoms are often unclear and factors that affect our mental and emotional stability are unseen and not well understood. Things may look just fine from the outside, but there can be major instability that is highly disruptive to the individual and to his or her family. The approach for determining the treatment of mental and emotional illnesses are similar to those used for physical illness. Research the condition. Explore treatment options. Find capable professional help. Pray and ask others to pray -- fervently and persistently.

What can we learn?
In the treatment of all types of illnesses several key principles emerge.

1. The earlier an illness is detected the better chance there is to apply an effective solution. Delay in dealing with serious problems almost always results in the condition becoming more serious and sometimes beyond treatment.

2. Accurate diagnosis is contingent on all relevant information being disclosed to those who are approached for help. The withholding of key information, however personal or embarrassing, may prevent correct assessment of a dangerous or fatal condition. This is not to encourage free and thoughtless conversation on confidential matters. Find trustworthy individuals with whom you can confer.

3. There is a strong responsibility by family and friends closest to the sufferer to offer help and to encourage appropriate treatment. Sometimes others will be aware of an emerging problem before the individual knows or is prepared to address the issue. Great care is needed when offering assistance in such cases but the responsibility to do so should not be ignored.

4. Realistic solutions need to be considered. Many problems we encounter are beyond our scope and skill. We may be able to help in many practical ways, but services of a professional practitioner are often needed. If the problem is physical, we should select a competent physician. If the problem is mental or emotional in nature, we should identify an appropriate professional counsellor in this field.

5. Collaboration and cooperation in conjunction with any medical service is highly important. It is inappropriate to think of abandoning a family member to some medical organization for care and treatment. Active involvement is needed by family and friends.

6. Members of the ecclesia have a responsibility to look to the natural and spiritual needs of fellow members. Considerable help and encouragement can be rendered if genuine care and discretion are shown. God has designed a wonderful support system in the structure and composition of the ecclesia, but it needs to be active for it to work, it needs to be used in order for it to render benefit.

Using available tools
As we wrestle with many and varied problems in life, a wise disciple will learn to "use the world but not abuse it" (I Cor.7:31). This means that in every time and place, there are resources available which can be used for the help and benefit of God’s people and to carry out God’s work. These same resources can also be dreadfully misused. We can use the benefits of airflight to carry us to places for personal leisure or take us to locations where godly service can be offered. We can use communication systems to preach or to simply entertain ourselves. We can use modern medical facilities to patch us up so we can return to a casual uninvolved service or we can use these services to assist us to carry on with the "Father’s business."

We need to use care and caution in using any of the human systems and services that surround us. But it would be quite foolish not to employ the best and most effective resources we can to help solve our problems, carry out the Lord’s work and help our fellow believers in the Household.

In an age where troubles are rapidly increasing and as the worldwide community of believers grows in size and complexity we need to pray for courage and skill to use all of the tools and resources God has given to us.

Offering help
We should not be spectators to the spiritual, physical or mental demise of any of our companions in the Truth if we have any ability to help – regardless of how difficult, unpleasant or unwelcome our intervention may be. Paul gives us this strong counsel, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:4).

Ken Curry