What Is Mental Health?

By William Pelrine Jr.

This frequently asked question (FAQ) is one asked by more people today than ever before.  As more people are being treated for mental illness, more Christians are being treated for mental illness.   I wonder how many are being given the definition of mental health.

      I have read a number of books by one author, Dr. Neil T. Anderson, over the last couple of years that addresses this growing problem in our society.  Dr. Anderson was a pastor of a church for ten years, and spent ten years as chairman of the Practical Theology Department at Talbot School of Theology.  In his book on overcoming depression, co-authored by clinical psychologist Hal Baumchen, called Finding Hope Again, he defines mental health: “Mental health is typically defined as being in touch with reality and relatively free from anxiety." (1)

      Dr. Anderson has authored more than 30 books, of which I have read more than six.  His books are mainly geared to the Christian reader. He tells us that reality for the Christian is to know your identity in Christ.  If I am a Christian, what does that mean exactly?  How does God see us?  I have read The Holy Bible, as well as numerous books on Christianity, and have gone to church for years and have a pretty good idea of who I am in Christ; who I am as a Christian in God’s eyes.

      The Holy Bible tells us to, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2: 15)  As Christians it’s important for us to read good books on the subject of Christianity, such as The Holy Bible as well as listen to good Christian teaching.  I went to 12 years of catechetical school and took adult classes at churches I attended on the subject of Christ and my faith as a Christian.

      One thing I have learned about being a Christian is that I don’t have to go around feeling guilty about my sins. The Holy Bible tells us, “…all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23b) 

      Besides the fact that all people sin (except for Jesus), as Christians, we are taught to believe our sins are forgiven and we are cleansed from all unrighteousness.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  (1 John 1:9)

      Another reality about being a Christian, which also makes me have less anxiety is that according to The Holy Bible, I am a child of God, “Yet all who received Him, those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”  (John 1:2)  “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!”  (1 John 3:1)  “We know that anyone born of God does not continue in sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe and the evil one cannot harm him.” (1 John 5:18)

      There are many more truths about what it means to be a Christian, far more than I have room for here.  The pastor that first introduced me to Neil Anderson’s books gave me a brief study, highlighting some of the main points of a couple of his books entitled The Bondage Breaker and Victory Over the Darkness, called “Who I Am In Christ”.  I would love to share it with you.   I have given it to a couple of my friends and would be more than happy to send you a copy. E-mail and request “Who I Am In Christ” and I’ll send you a copy.

      May the peace of God that transcends all understanding keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.