Yesterday I was writing more about the Christian counseling topic and why I want to study, and practice, biblical counseling rather than secular counseling any longer.  I have made my choice and I’m standing by my decision.

I want the Holy Spirit indwelt in me to come forward to guide my relationship with whoever I may find myself supporting as their “counselor”.  

Today in my bible reading of Matthew 12: 43-46 about the returning on an unclean spirit, I studied the notes I found for these passages on the bottom of the page which gave answer to many of my questions about counseling with the Spirit of God in charge as opposed to counseling by someone who is not being led by God.

Those passages refer to an “unclean spirit” that leave a person, seeking rest in waterless places but finds none.  This realization that there are “unclean spirits” that inhabit man should cause one pause for thought.

Who is the counselor who is counseling a person who seeks them to guide them to find relief, comfort and guidance?  

The passage goes on to talk about the spirit returning to clean, swept house that has been put in order.  Do you think secular counseling can help one find their way for a time?  How long lasting will it be before another problem springs up in their lives?

Seven more evil spirits return along with the first one to the person’s “house”, meaning to me at least, their bodies and minds.

Do you want an unclean spirit returning with seven more of their evil friends?

The notes at the bottom of the page says:

“The problem is that the evil spirit found the house “empty” (v.44).  This is the description of someone who attempts moral reform without ever being indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Reform apart from regeneration is never effective and eventually reverts back to pre-reform behavior.” – Dr. John MacArthur’s Study Bible

Read the passages for yourself.  Know that when you get counseling from an unbeliever, they may have temporary solutions which may guide one’s behavior, but the real problem is that the person’s spirit is not being “regenerated” by the Holy Spirit.

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:4-7

Regeneration means that our spirits are being washed and renewed.

…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. – John 3:6

The Holy Spirit is the spiritual bond we have with the God of life; Jesus Christ, who saves us from sin. 

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. -John 3:6