At Bethesda
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Spiritual wellness is a part of your wellbeing. Do you want to get well?” asked Jesus.
Jesus returning to Jerusalem from one of the celebrated Jewish holidays, stopped inside the city. When Jesus saw the paralyzed man at the pool, called Bethesda, he asked, “Would you like to get well?” For some others it might have been a foolish question. Afterall, the crippled man was in need of healing. However, Jesus knew all about this man and what was about to conspire.
It was at the pool of Bethesda where physically challenged people would come. Yes, waiting for the opportunity to be among the first to jump into the (stirring) water to receiving healing. This man was among the blind, physically disabled and paralyzed. For thirty-eight years, this sickly man had been in this condition (John 5:1-6 NIV). Yes, hoping that he could be among those who would be able to jump into the pool before the water stopped stirring. Can you imagine the disappointment that this sickly person felt over and over? Yet, each year he would return in hope that this time it will be me. Little did this man know that Jesus was about to stir up something for him, even if the water stopped stirring.
My Situation is This
The response to your situation makes the difference. First of all, the sickly man’s response expresses his situation and agony. “Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” We can only imagine his desire to be the next in line for a blessing. Note these words: “Someone else gets ahead of me.“ Let that sink in for a moment, “Someone else gets ahead of me.” This is my situation; I know the locale or where I need to be, but someone else gets ahead of me.
Munchausen Syndrome
Think about this. In this instance, the physical condition is not a result of the mind; the man is paralyzed (but he has hope).
Today, there is a disorder that is symptomatic of people who wish to be sick; it is a mind disorder. It is called Munchausen (Mun-chau-sen) Syndrome. Munchausen Syndrome (MS) is an attention-seeking personality disorder. Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) is the desire of one to be the center of attention. People who exhibit this type of behavior, according to research, often have a feeling of persecution with cause. They feel they are the victim.
The feeling of victimization causes people of MSBP to stand at odds with others. It causes them to look for excuses in others for their reasons of being in a paralyzed condition.
Examples of their statements might be, “I would have more if it wasn’t for … I could do more if it was not for…. I am being unjustly denied my right to due process because of …. I could do better if it was not for…” The Blame Game is an extension of their individual self-worth and victim mentality.
Research also shows that people who suffer from this illness see life as always against them. Immediately, their imperfections are always due to someone or something else. Working to restore or help individual(s) of the Munchausen Syndrome requires professional and spiritual support, although victims rarely do so.
The Servant Wants to be Well
GET UP! PICK UP YOUR MAT AND WALK!
In verse 8 of this scripture (John 5:8), “Then Jesus said to the disabled man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once (immediately), the man’s response caused his cure. He picked up his mat and walked. We do not exactly know if this man had prior knowledge about a man who was healing. The scripture does not give that detail. It is clear, however, that this man had hope and belief that it is possible that he could get up and walk. Was it the way that Jesus said it? Was it the fact that after 38 years, why give this a try?Nevertheless, the result is that his response or mindset brought him healing. Faith in this stranger, Jesus, caused him to submit to the commands in the healing process. Moreover, people who truly desire to be well, will engage in the process of their healing.
Scientific research supports that people who wish to be well, exhibit certain behaviors. This is opposite of the Munchausen Syndrome victim. Those who desire to be well will exhibit these types of behaviors, i.e.,
- Mindset shifts -Viewing life as safe and empowering activates restorative systems; threat-based mindsets increase stress hormones and inflammation (Psychology Today- The Mindset Effect: How Belief Shapes Healing and Well-Being of Dr. Harry Ranking)
- Practice gratitude and positivity intentionally to boost emotional wellness (Research of NIH Emotional Toolkit)
- Do daily routines of Self-Care
In conclusion, it is vital that you be the main supporter of your wellness plan. To believe that life can be better gives a person hope. Even in the example of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, he came to the pool for wellness in hope of better. As you read our blogposts, it is about being better. It is a support place for helping you step up your call.
Our spiritual wellness is about the mind, body and soul. Yes, we will pick up our mat and walk in our purpose. For more blogs like this, I suggest: