By Shane Kastler
Sometimes, when people encounter various struggles in life, they enter rehabilitation programs to help them deal with their problems. Be it substance related or sexually related; these programs might indeed help a person confront their issues and adjust their lives accordingly. But before rehab can truly work, repentance must come into play. Rehab is an attempt to deal with the outer behavioral problems, but repentance deals with the inner, spiritual problem. Until a person addresses their sin, they will never be cured of any so-called sickness. For sin is the greatest sickness man possesses.
Recently, the issue of rehab made the news because of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. Weinstein, a well-known Hollywood movie producer, has been accused of sexually harassing and/or raping several young aspiring actresses, over the course of many years. Once he was caught, he entered a rehab program to deal with his “sexual addiction.” After one week, he checked himself out of the program, supposedly having made significant progress. While it is highly doubtful that one week of any program will truly address a problem; Weinstein’s bigger problem is the underlying sin that led to the acts of sexual deviancy. Like all people, Weinstein has a sinful nature that will lead him invariably into numerous sins. His status as a famous, wealthy, and powerful man gave him opportunity to sin in ways that others cannot. But Weinstein’s problem won’t be fixed with rehab. It’s not rehab he needs, it is repentance.
To repent means to turn away from sin. And far more than merely seeking the Lord’s forgiveness for an individual act, true repentance involves turning away from a life of sin. And turning toward Jesus Christ. All the psychiatrists in the world will not be able to fix Harvey Weinstein’s problem. Only Jesus can. And the same is true for you.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re so awesome because you’re better than Harvey Weinstein. While you may not have committed the crimes he’s accused of, you do indeed have the same sinful nature as him. We all do. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) And the only hope for anyone is to repent and trust in Christ.
Rehab might indeed be of benefit. But the bigger problem is sin, and the bigger need is repentance. Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) Heed his words. Find forgiveness. And begin a new life in Christ today.
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