Thursday, March 08, 2007

Sinking Into Chaos

One of the key components of Family Therapy is the notion that some families become centers of dysfunction and multiply themselves chaotically for generations. True, some members of the family may rise above the fray and develop into steady, successful members of society. For the most part members are swallowed up in dysfunction and a downward spiral.

The downward spirals are often the result of shocks and trauma that are not effectively healed. We call it Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and it has been happening throughout history. It is the reason the New Testament says so much about healing of body, soul and spirit.

This same kind of thing can and often does happen in groups and even societies. Germany in the last century developed such a deep sickness. It ended in a war that destroyed the lives of some 50 million people and ravaged the cultures, infrastructures and relationships of numerous countries. Germany suffered a terrible loss of men and materials in WWI. Not only that but they were severely punished for its aggressions by the victors. These shocks grew into bitter relationships and unconcsious aggression against their former enemies that unleashed Hitler on the world.

In my trips to Russia I see how dysfunctional and traumatic events travel through multiple generations to result in a chaotic society of sickness and brutality. This is what happened to the Roman Empire. Scholars say it rotted from within and one has to wonder if this is what is happening to the USA. Media is similar to the Roman Games in publicizing gross behavior and famous people are killing themselves off to the cheers and jeers of the public.

What can we do?

1. Keep ourselves unstained from the world. This advice from the Bible is still relevant. We cannot spread health is we are swimming in sewage.

2. Keep our families healthy. The family is our best foundation to a strong future. We cannot change the social order at the largest level but we can do more at home to speak the truth in love.

3. Develop strong and healthy Christian communities. Over the past 30 years we have seen many pastors and priests who have violated the laws of God, their own commitments to Christ and spiritual calls as well as the laws of man to steal, lie and violate others sexually and emotionally. Such ungodly behavior has a traumatic effect on us all and destroys confidence in God and His truth.

4. Make you church into healing growth community. Jesus Christ and His people are the only hope of the world. But far too often the church has not actively been involved in "Healing the broken hearted and setting the captives free." Until a much higher percentage of churches preach, teach and actively minister healing the trauma promoted by world's sicknesses including wars, media, pornography, divorce and rampant crime.

4. Allow our light to shine in the community. People are very interested in Jesus but many have little confidence in the church. Their perceptions are their truth so share the love and practical helps of Jesus not your organization. Servant Evangelism is one of the best ways to light a candle in the darkness.

5. Pray.

If you want to learn how to turn the tide of chaos into a river of hope call us at Life Way Ministries

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