Step #4: Give up the sneaky “benefits” of helplessness – and pursue wellness instead
The New Testament describes the story of a man who was paralyzed for 38 years. He spent every day lying near a pool that was thought to have medicinal properties.
When Jesus arrived there, he asked the man a pointed question that – at some level – each of us needs to ask ourselves: “Do you want to be well?”
The immediate response from the man’s mouth was telling: “Sir, I have no one to help me.” (John 5:2 NIV). He went on about how others got to the pool ahead of him – essentially, a “woe is me” response. I know readers of this blog are in different places in matters of faith. But I think Jesus wants us to grapple with His question, too.
Do we want to be well? Do we really want it? It could be time for some targeted, introspective questions that examine the sneaky “benefits” we get out of being “helpless”:
- Do I like the attention? (“You poor thing. How can I help you?”)
- Have I taken a license to dodge responsibility? (“I put in 100 résumés and no one called, so I’m just going to settle into the couch and watch NASCAR.”)
- Do I blame-shift? (“My life wouldn’t be such a mess if ____ hadn’t done ____.”
Do any of these hit home? Are you ready to root them out?
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