This week I started work at my new practice in Cashmere, WA. It was so nice to just roll down the hill to work, instead of dealing with Wenatchee’s traffic. I think my favorite part, though, was getting to be home with my lady every evening. Ana and I get off work at the same time, so we arrive home within minutes of each other, which is really nice.
The first couple days were a little challenging, learning a new computer system and new procedures. Probably the hardest part was getting myself to slow down. In the walk-in it was always go-go-go. In this new setting, however, I have the time to get to know the patient, identify their needs and goals, and work with them to develop a plan which works for them. It is a refreshing change and the patients seem to appreciate it too.
One of my favorite quotes is from the book Ministry of Healing, p. 143. It says:
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”
We get this backwards so often, not just in medicine, but also in our witness for Christ. We tell people what to do, saying “Follow me”, then wonder why they shake their heads and walk away. But what do we expect? How can they trust us if they don’t know us?
We need to learn to follow Christ’s example, getting to know people, meeting their needs, and sharing their joys and sorrows, before we try to change their behavior. “The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice.” (ibid.)
This week let’s remember to get things in the right order. Before we invite people to follow Christ, let’s make sure we act like Christ. Before we invite them to our church, let’s invite them to our homes. Before we share the Word with them, let’s share a meal with them. Let’s mingle with them, sympathize with them, and meet their needs. Let’s win their confidence, before we try to win their souls. We are promised, if we do this, “…this work will not, cannot, be without fruit.”
This week, whether at work or at play, let’s strive to be like Jesus in all that we do, following His method, mingling with others “as one who desires their good.” Then maybe when we invite people to follow Him, instead of turning away, they’ll reply, “I’d love to, if He’s anything like you.”
God bless and have a Happy Sabbath!