While in America
Nola and I have had occasion (need) for medical care. Both doctors we have seen
– a general practitioner and a specialist – have been Christians, members of
Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Consulting with these two men has been a special
experience, and certainly, something we will remember from our time in
For one thing,
both men gave us the immediate impression that they were delighted to meet us
as people, a brother and sister in Christ, and not simply as patients. It’s one
thing for a health professional to try to put new patients at ease; it’s
another entirely for them to be the vehicles of Christ’s love. That’s how we
felt when we visited these two doctors: we felt genuinely welcomed and loved in
Christ.
Secondly, and
flowing directly from that, we felt deeply cared for. Both practitioners used
the term “care” as they spoke to us. They weren’t simply trying to “fix us up,”
but were demonstrating the care of Christ for us through their profession. The
doctor we saw today – a gastro-intestinal specialist – actually thanked us for
allowing him to care for us!!! He considered himself privileged to be allowed
to care for us. Wow! What an incredible experience.
Then both men
showed great competence and thoroughness in treating us. They were wonderfully
professional for all their relational transparency. The gastro specialist we
saw this morning was clearly a master in his field, even though still a
comparatively young man. He was right up to date with the latest trends and
developments in medicine, and provided insightful help that inspired
confidence. His examination was careful and his questions penetrating. He was
by no means a medical sloth.
Further, both
men did their utmost to minimize costs for us. They not only provided their
services without personal cost to us (our insurance may have covered that), but
they went out of their way to provide us with pharmaceutical samples to relieve
the need for paying for prescriptions. We couldn’t but be blessed by their
generosity.
Then finally,
both men left us with resounding assurances of their willingness to help us
again should the need arise. They gave
us the impression they would genuinely like to have the opportunity to see us
again and serve us in any way they could. And we left almost sorrowful that we
probably (hopefully) won’t have occasion –at least not on this visit – for that
to happen.
Given the fact
that I’ve been somewhat doctor-shy most of my life, this has been a wonderfully
positive experience. But more importantly, it has given us insight into how
magnificently Christian health-care professionals can demonstrate the love of
Christ. I sensed this morning that it was Jesus himself who was
loving me through the doctor we saw. It was truly a blessing to be with
him. Others, I know, sense that too. Many of our friends here have gone into
rhapsody talking about the particular specialist we saw today, and now we know
why. He is a powerful witness to Christ – no, more than that, he is a powerful
minister of Christ through his knowledge, wisdom and skill.
And why shouldn’t that be the case? Being
“ministers” (servants) of Christ isn’t restricted to being a minister of his Word.
We can demonstrate his love and be channel of his grace in any profession or
calling, and in any life situation. Today’s experience has been a striking
example of how bright the light of Christ can shine through a devoted Christian
medical professional. It ought both challenge and encourage us all to live
decidedly Christian lives wherever the Lord puts us.