Reflections on ‘Seeing with New Eyes’ by David Powlison
Although the chapters in the book Seeing with New Eyes were written as separate articles, the unifying theme of Scripture’s sufficiency for counseling was clear and unmistakable. Whether it was a chapter which unearthed the truths of Scripture by thoughtful exposition and application of particular passages, or a chapter with a series of heart-searching, sin-exposing questions, Powlison creatively and persuasively demonstrates how Scripture truly is sufficient for counseling others.
Powlison’s interaction with psychological, physiological and biological theories of motivation, behavior, counseling and treatment was also very helpful and fair. Although the size and scope of this book required Powlison to often generalize and summarize people, theories and movements, one does not get the impression he is deceitfully stacking the evidence in his favor or guilty of misrepresentation; rather, in laying Biblical truth alongside of popular psychological theory, Powlison demonstrates how any human effort to determine the ultimate cause and solution for people’s problems will always, in the final analysis, be insufficient.
Finally, in the last chapter, Powlison encourages us toward simplicity. Although people’s problems are often complex, the goal of (Christlikeness) and our means of counseling (the truth of Scripture) remain simple. As Powlison points out, Jesus spoke “exceedingly simple words” (253). This does not mean, however, that we are to use the truth of Scripture simplistically. As we have already noted, people’s problems are complex-the varieties of problems are as many as there are people in the world, and applying the truth of God’s Word to specific people and situations is hard work. We need to be careful we do not turn “heart-searching and life-altering truth into a cookie cutter, pat answer formula and quick fix” (254). But the clear, simple truth of Scripture gives us words that “call to every person in every time and place,” and a “simplicity [that] understands and redeems real complexities; [and] does not erase them, ignore them, or homogenize them” (254). Real Biblical counseling compassionately, thoughtfully and honestly brings the light of Scripture to bear on our sin and our problems, while weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
As I read this book, I was convicted by my tendency to ignore and erase the complexities and pains of life while counseling myself and others. Powlison navigates between the rocky shoals of thoughtless, compassionless, simplistic Bible thumping, and the sands of man-centered, man-designed psychoanalysis to arrive at a biblical position: a theology of counseling that unflinchingly brings the truth of Christ to bear on issues of sin, relational problems and pain with genuine love, compassion, and discernment.
I was also convicted by Powlison’s use of Scripture. I desire to become much, much better in my handling of Scripture and I want to see with greater clarity how Scripture applies to life and answers all the essential questions. Powlison’s digging through Ephesians and the Psalms rebukes me for my superficial handling of divine truth. I pray this book will be an impetus for repentance in my life—that I might begin to grow in my ability to counsel myself and others from the whole counsel of God’s Word.
Powlison also encourages me to apply mental rigor with these issues, and to not become lazy and complacent in my thinking. Submitting one’s mind to and relying upon Scripture does not mean we thus slide into intellectual passivity as life becomes effortless. Relying on Scripture means thinking hard about the Scripture and demosntrating, with clarity and conviction, how God’s Word is sufficient for things pertaining to “life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3).
