Patient- “So Doctor, how long do I have to live?”
The great physician pondered the question, not searching for an answer, because the solution was obvious from the beginning. No, he was reflecting sadly on how his patient had allowed himself to be overcome by such a condition that was increasingly destroying his quality of life and now had become a contagion to others.
Doctor- “You will live as long as intended. My personal concern is for what quality of life you will be afforded if your condition continues untreated.
P- But Doctor, I’ve been following your orders and taking my medicine for many years. Still my condition worsens. Sometimes it seems unbearable. And lately, I’ve been seeing signs that my family and coworkers are getting this too.
D- Have you really been taking your medicine as prescribed? Have you consistently and persistently massaged the salve into all the afflicted areas? Or have you merely sprinkled it about here and there, now and then when it seemed convenient? Have you really been consistent and diligent in the exercises I gave you? Your muscles won’t grow and strengthen unless you gently stretch them. It’s only when their very fibers are gently broken that they can regrow even stronger. Remember, this isn’t a do it once and forget it process. It’s a lifetime application.
P- But it hurts. And besides, you know how busy I am and how many responsibilities I have.
D- To become fully well requires diligence, commitment, sacrifice, and even pain. Remember the first rule of airplane safety? First apply your own oxygen mask and then help others. Your condition is sucking the air out of your life. Often you don’t consider it too bad because you’ve become so accustomed to living this way. You think you have it under control but it’s an illusion. You’re not dying but one by one the most critical areas of your life will fall victim to the disease you refuse to properly treat.
P- Is there still hope for a cure? Or am I doomed?
D- Certainly, the damage has taken its toll. But the cure is now as it has always been and will always be, most effective in restoring the fullness of life you really desire. You DO want to o have a truly full and abundant life, don’t you?
P- Yes, of course. But how long will I need treatment? Sometimes it seems to cost more than it’s worth.
D- You’ll need the treatment for your entire life. It may seem costly from one perspective. But compared to the time and energy and money you fritter away on things that don’t really benefit you, it’s not costly at all.
P- Will it really be a cure? No more symptoms, sorrow, or pain?
D- It will take time but yes, it is definitely the perfect cure. It takes time and you may notice that your symptoms flare up I occasionally. Don’t let it worry you. Just keep applying the healing salve generously and vigorously and you will see remarkable improvement – and finally, a complete cure, as if you had a new body.
P- Oh Doctor, I’m sorry for being so negligent in neglecting your instructions. I really want to be well and commit my life to what you’ve said. How can I ever thank you?
D- I’ve given you enough healing salve to share with others. Help them to apply it to the destructive conditions of their lives. Share in their suffering and celebrate their victories. Seeing you live well and helping others to do the same is the thanks I desire.
As you reflect on this Doctor-patient parable, consider the cancerous effect harmful thinking that invades your own life. A little worry builds up to become a mountain of anxiety that seems insurmountable. Bitterness , anger, envy and greed grow and multiply like cancerous cells that rob the oxygen from us and smother our ability to breathe clearly and enjoy life fully. Unchecked, this condition becomes contagious and infects those around us. The solution is to consistently, persistently, and diligently apply the healing salve of God’s truth and grace so that it reaches every aspect of our lives. It’s sometimes painful, but it’s not too late. Let his truth and grace pour over you until even your unconscious thoughts bear the mark of his unending love.
Lord, take my destructive thoughts and replace them with the healing salve of your peace, patience, goodness, love and joy.