Constructing an Idol (part 2)

Medicating Pain

As humans, we tend to avoid pain. We are not drawn toward nor do we seek out emotional, physical or spiritual pain. Pain, however, is unavoidable in this world. From the birthing process until our final breath, pain will be a consistent companion. In the book, Hinds Feet in High Places, the primary character, Much Afraid, wants to travel to the high places where the deer joyfully traverse. The Sheppard gives her two traveling companions named Sorrow and Suffering. My first thought was, “Were Joy and Rapture not available?” I came from a generation where pain was addressed by either ignoring it or “just rub a little dirt in it, you’ll be ok” approach. Today, we live in a world where every pain is maximized and extreme measures must be taken to protect our children from all pain. Both of these approaches are harmful in their extreme nature. In my generation, the message was often that your pain was not important. Today’s generation hear that their pain is more important than anyone else’s.

When our pain is minimized or maximized, then Satan lies in wait to sell us the quick fix and instant feel good escape of the fantasy world of sexual sin. I used to ask this question of each man I would do a workshop with; “Have you fantasized about being rejected or being a failure?” I have literally asked men from all over the world and of varying cultures this question. I never had anyone say yes. I stopped asking the question because it is a dumb question. If we never learn how a Godly person deals with pain then Satan is there to help construct an idol which advertises a place free of the emotional pains of this world as well as a chemical high to medicate the pain. Let me give you an example of how this construction might begin. Little Johnny is 14 and just experienced his first rejection from a girl who was his first love. This is his first major rejection and his dopamine level is depleted. He needs someone to walk through this pain with him and help him with the tools of how a Godly man deals with the pain of rejection. If he doesn’t receive these tools and assistance then Satan is waiting to begin construction. All Johnny has to do is pick up his phone and within moments he will find erotic pictures of females who will provide him with looks of acceptance. His dopamine level will instantly elevate and his depressed appearance will disappear to those close to him. “It looks like Johnny has gotten past his breakup.” Every time he experiences the pain of rejection, he adds another brick in the construction of his idol. By the time, he is an adult and married, he has no ability to deal with the pain of rejection other than the fantasy world. The adult pain of rejection has more riding on it than the 14-year-old so he needs more “pain medication.”

Isaiah 53:4 (NKJV) Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.

We have a Savior who is fully acquainted with the pain of rejection. He also sent us His Spirit to comfort and guide us through the pain of this world. When I was a teenager, the phrase “get high on Jesus” was often expressed. God and His Spirit are not some drug we order up like a bottle of Xanax. He provides us the guidance and comfort to walk through pain. You see we learn and grow from our painful experiences. We either learn to escape, medicate and avoid our pain or we learn to walk through it and grow in our faith and trust in the One who bore this pain upon the cross. Let’s learn and teach others to walk through pain. Not alone but with them as we bare one another’s burdens and lean more upon the Man of Sorrow who is acquainted with our grief.

If you or a loved one need help in dealing with the idol of sexual sin, then contact us at perfecthope.org or give us call at 901-430-3412.

Jonathan Jones, President perfecthope.org@gmail.com