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Some Factors When Developing Commitment- Thoughts While Convalescing
Guess preaching is in my blood, for I’m continually finding illustrations of Bible principles. As I convalesce from having an appendectomy I’m finding some spiritual applications in it all that I’d like to share.
First, I amen the thoughts Tim expressed two Wednesdays ago. I did not want to go in for surgery, but the doctors told me I needed to — and quickly! It began when I realized I was feeling worse than usual and so went to the doctor. He guessed it might be a kidney problem, gave me antibiotics as a safeguard, and sent me to get some imaging done of my abdomen. Mid-afternoon on my way home I stopped at Arby’s for a quick snack since I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. As I was feeling better and enjoying the shake and slider, Carol called me to tell me the doctor had called. I have acute appendicitis and was to immediately go to emergency!
Fully against my “want-to,” the doctors in emergency all agreed I needed surgery ASAP (which was delayed until the next morning thanks to the shake and slider I had almost consumed). Let me add an application to what Tim shared. Philip’s lesson on bitterness likely challenged a number of us to examine our hearts, realizing that any bitterness we harbor inside is not good. It is a pretty sure sign that we need to further change to be more like our Lord. Though we do not want the discomforts of change, we need to free ourselves of bitterness. Our Lord shows us how. We are to fully commit ourselves to “He who judges righteously” [1 Peter 2:23] and more fully empty ourselves that we might better glorify God as we sacrifice for others [Phil. 2:5-8].
Really we are talking about something fundamental. God is patient, “not wanting any to perish but that all should come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9]. Repentance is a change of mind, it is turning from not obeying to obeying. When we repent we stop doing what we want and start doing what we need to do. Or, to put it another way, I changed from not wanting surgery to wanting it (reluctantly) because I became convinced I needed it. Our Lord will save no one unless and until he or she repents. That change of mind from doing what I want to doing what I need is essential to salvation. Thankfully God’s love makes it easier to come to the point in which we actually want to do God’s will.
This brings us to the second illustration. I found it very disconcerting that I, who have a skeptical bend of mind probably learned from my father, was willing to go through much pain and discomfort, and even placing my very life (Do you read those papers you have to sign before surgery? Scary!) in the hands of strangers. Yet I did. Why? First, the doctors convinced me I had a serious problem. They brought me to see the truth that I was in danger and action needed to be taken. Until a person is convinced he or she is in danger of eternal separation from God, no action will be taken. Once convinced, the faith of a mustard seed in Jesus as our Savior is sufficient to obey Him.
The third illustration I found in my surgery adventure was how much everyone helped me. The nurses, aides, doctors, and others performed their duties in meeting my needs with genuine care. Yes, they were doing their jobs, but, no, they were not just doing their jobs. They were caring, longsuffering, and quick to do whatever extra was needed for the patient. Included in their care were occasions in which they knew they were causing me much pain, yet proceeded because they cared. One application: There are times when we must hurt someone we love because we love them and without that hurt of rebuke and godly sorrow a soul could be lost.
Let us humbly, lovingly repent when and where we need to. Let us humbly and lovingly help others repent as they need to. Let us find Christ living in us. He said “As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed (KJV “zealous”) and repent.” [Rev 3:19, HCSB]
- Convalescing_Kilgo.pdf (76.63 kB)
