Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)
I hate getting sick.
I used to believe if I took care of my body with physical exercise and healthy habits it would take care of me in the long run. However, now I’m not so sure. I’m finding there are no antidotes for growing older, unforgiving gravity, and the inevitability of declining physical health.
Sitting at my doctor’s office one day, I noticed a health advisory poster from the regional healthcare provider. Its message was plainly medical in nature. However as I thought about it, the depth of its questions and potential answers immediately launched my mind to the spiritual realm. Here is what the poster stated.
Three questions to always ask:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Obviously, in the medical field, answers range from the common cold to a life threatening illness. My intent here isn’t to trivialize the seriousness of personal health and wellbeing or those who suffer from chronic or terminal illness. These questions are real and lead a person to earnestly face his or her health issue(s) and subsequent treatment.
However, the same questions hold particular significance in the spiritual realm. Self discovery in answering them has eternal implications.
Honest Self-Assessment and Action Plan
Honest self-assessment is the key. Even Jesus said He couldn’t help those who didn’t think they had a problem. Denial of a spiritual problem solves nothing. Denying the truth doesn’t change it.
Secondly, finding accurate, candid, unbiased answers to the problem is paramount. Imagine the doctor who didn’t want to hurt your feelings with bad news. Or worse, a timid surgeon. Though truthful answers may be painful, they describe the solution.
Lastly, action is necessary. Acknowledging a spiritual problem and finding an accurate diagnosis are useless unless you submit to the recommended treatment.
The world is hurting and doesn’t know why. In addition to needing unfiltered, untarnished truth, they need encouragement to apply that truth to their lives.
Let your light so shine. Share the truth candidly, yet lovingly. Be Jesus to those around you so they are drawn to His marvelous way, truth, and life. Be the spiritual treatment for a sick, lost, and dying world.
