Bipolar? Nail it to the cross...

I came across this image tonight while doing a search for "Bipolar Disorder" on Google Images. Honestly, I think it would make for some pretty cool ink, except for one thing.

The last thing I want on my body is something that says, "Bipolar Disorder", no matter how cool it looks.

Because having Bipolar Disorder isn't cool. It's a pain in the ass.

But at the same time, confession is good for the soul.

I don't mean "confession" as though it's a sin to have Bipolar Disorder, even though there are people and churches in this world that might make some one think that way, whether intentionally or not. I mean "confession" in the sense that an alcoholic "confesses" they are an alcoholic or a drug addict "confesses" they are a drug addict. To "confess" in this sense is to accept the reality that one has a certain condition, or form of brokenness, that will be with them for the rest of their life. To forget that truth can lead to disaster, whether it be the resumption of drinking, getting back on the pipe, or ceasing to take one's meds.

Call it a "thorn in the flesh" or a "thorn in the head" or "a pain in the butt" or whatever works for you...but don't forget it exists.

There are a lot of ministries in this world that play the little insidious game of "name it, claim it". Don't confess you have a problem, a disease, or a condition. Just "name and claim" your healing or your deliverence.

Bullshit.

I went with a friend to see Todd Bentley, the infamous "faith healer" who set up shop in a big tent in Lakeland, Florida a few years back. He was holding a big ongoing revival, was broadcast live nightly on a major religious television network, was the talk of more than one church magazine, and was so full of crap that if you put him in a press, he would have successfully manured all the agricultural property for miles around.

I saw people go up to him to be healed of all kinds of stuff. Fine. Dandy. So what?

After having been there, I heard about a woman who claimed she had stopped taking her meds for Bipolar Disorder immediately upon receiving prayer from Bentley. That poor, poor woman.

I had to stop taking my meds and it nearly killed me.

I hope she's ok.

Not one recorded healing was verified from his prayers. Not one.

What was verified was Bentley's consistent overuse of alcohol and the affair he had with a coworker.

Bentley was cheating on his wife.

I don't mean to totally bash Bentley. Perhaps he has Bipolar Disorder, who knows?

God does not call us to deny our issues. But he does call us to nail them to the cross, much like the image at the top of this post. We are crucified with Christ. We are a new creation. We are somebody and we matter to the Lord Almighty.

But for God's sake, don't buy into quacks, false prophets, "word of faith" healers and such ilk. I'm not saying that divine healing and miracles don't exist.

They do. I've experienced one first hand, related to the birth of my daughter.

But beware. Take your meds. Remember your condition.

And listen for the Word of God.