Discerning Types of Integration: A Clearer Understanding
"Resting fully in His sufficient Word."
In their recent discussion, Dale Johnson and Marshall Adkins address the concept of integration within Christian counseling, aiming to clarify that integration is not a uniform concept but a spectrum with distinct variations. Integration, as they explain, generally describes combining biblical truth with secular psychology to create counseling methods or strategies. Johnson and Adkins carefully outline several ways Christians approach this integration, such as interdisciplinary integration (blending theological truths with psychological theories), worldview integration (removing ideas conflicting with Christianity and retaining what aligns with a Christian worldview), and various forms of eclecticism, including technical, theoretical, and assimilative approaches.
The heart of their message is a concern that integrating secular psychological methods or techniques into Christian counseling inherently suggests Scripture's insufficiency. Johnson and Adkins strongly advocate that Scripture alone provides a comprehensive, sufficient, and thoroughly adequate counseling model for addressing human problems, emphasizing that biblical counseling should rely entirely upon the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, without resorting to secular theories or techniques.
From my perspective, while their commitment to Scripture is commendable, there’s a nuanced difference in my approach as an exchanged life counselor. I wholeheartedly affirm the sufficiency and authority of Scripture. However, my primary emphasis is on the believer’s identification and union with Christ as the central and transformative reality of counseling. This distinction isn't about supplementing Scripture with external psychology, but about recognizing that spiritual growth and transformation result solely from a believer fully grasping their exchanged life—Christ’s life in place of their own. My approach doesn't incorporate secular psychology; rather, it rests in the finished work of Christ and His ongoing indwelling life as the exclusive source of genuine change.
While Johnson and Adkins rightly critique the dangers of blending secular psychology with biblical truth, the exchanged life approach emphasizes not merely adherence to scriptural principles, but personal identification with Christ’s life as the singular solution. My methodology does not attempt integration at all, nor does it borrow secular ideas; instead, it offers a Christ-centered identity as the complete and sufficient answer to every human need.
Personal Journal Reflection in the Holy Spirit’s Voice (Scripture)
My beloved child, I have given you everything you need for life and godliness through your intimate knowledge of Me who called you by My own glory and excellence. You have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Christ Himself is your life, and as you set your heart and mind on things above, you live out the truth of your identity as My chosen, holy, and dearly loved child. The old self was crucified with Christ, so you no longer need to rely on worldly wisdom or human philosophies. Rather, you are renewed in knowledge after My image, and you stand complete in Christ alone.
You do not need external theories or methods to shape your soul, for My word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, discerning your thoughts and the intentions of your heart. It is I who work in you both to will and to act according to My good pleasure. You have the mind of Christ, who Himself has become wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption for you. Trust fully in the sufficiency of Christ, your true vine, apart from whom you can do nothing, but in whom you bear abundant fruit.
(2 Peter 1:3; Colossians 3:3-4, 10, 12; Romans 6:6; Colossians 2:8-10; Hebrews 4:12; Philippians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30; John 15:5)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You deeply for the completeness of what You've provided in Christ. I praise You that You have withheld nothing necessary for life, wisdom, or spiritual transformation, and that my sufficiency is found entirely in Him. Today, I confidently rest in Your provision, rejoicing in the finished work of Jesus and the continual presence of His life within me. Thank You for the privilege of relying on Christ alone, fully assured that no worldly wisdom can add to the perfection of Your grace already given. You truly are more than enough.
Insights based on the podcast "Discerning Types of Integration" with Dale Johnson and Marshall Adkins, ACBC website, March 10, 2025.
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