goals beyond his or her ability to attain. This may be true both for economic or spiritual goals; failure brings on depression:
A. Patiently point out that goals which others may set for themselves
and seem to attain may not be right for the inquirer. The fact that he or she is depressed may indicate the unattainability of such goals.
B. Point out that success or failure cannot be measured by any human
standard. Suggest, instead, the following criteria:
• Does what I desire conform with God's will? Can it be supported by Scripture?
• Is what I desire for the glory of God, or to satisfy some personal whim or selfish ambition?
• Have I been motivated by spiritual pride?
• Is what I desire in line with the guidance given by the apostle Paul:
* Be what I am—what God has made me: Learn to live with my strengths and limitations: "But by the grace of God I am what I am" (1 Corinthians 15:10).
* Trying to emulate someone else ("keeping up with the Joneses") is spiritually undesirable and counterproductive (2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV).
4. Suggest that the inquirer renew his or her spiritual commitment: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
5. Encourage learning the disciplines of Bible study and prayer.
6. Suggest rearranging priorities so that they are more in line with his or her abilities.
7. If you sense that follow-up is needed, recommend a serious commitment to professional counseling. A qualified pastor or Christian psychologist should be sought.
Scripture
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5–6).