Biblical Answer

The Importance of Seeking Help

It is perfectly okay for Christians to seek professional help. In fact, the Bible encourages believers to seek help when they are struggling with sin or sickness. The apostle Paul, for example, acknowledged his own weaknesses and asked for help from his fellow believers (2 Cor. 12:7-10). The Bible also teaches that believers should "bear one another's burdens" and "so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). This means that Christians should be willing to seek help from others when they are struggling, and they should also be willing to offer help to others when they are able.

Discerning the Source of the Problem

However, Christians should be careful and discerning when seeking help from organizations or programs that may not be biblically sound. For example, some AA-type programs may emphasize the idea that sin is a sickness rather than a sin, which can lead to a focus on human effort rather than faith in Jesus Christ. Christians should ask themselves questions like "Is sin or sickness my primary problem?" and "Do I think of myself as a sinner in need of forgiveness or as someone who is struggling with a disease?" They should also be aware of the potential for subtle influence or manipulation, and they should seek help from a Christian perspective that emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ.

The Role of the Church

Ultimately, the church should be the primary source of help and support for Christians who are struggling. The Bible teaches that believers should "bear one another's burdens" and "so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2), and this means that they should seek help from their fellow believers in the church. The church should provide a safe and supportive environment where believers can receive help and guidance, and where they can also offer help and support to others. By seeking help from the church, Christians can receive a biblically sound perspective on their struggles and can grow in their faith and their relationship with Jesus Christ.