Doctor's Orders!

When we get sick and go to the doctor, sometimes he or she writes out a prescription for us to take to the drugstore. Along with the prescription the doctor usually explains how often the medication is to be taken and what else should be done in order to regain our health. When these INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOLLOWED we generally refer to it as obeying the doctor’s orders. If those directions are ignored health might not improve and even death could occur.

The word “prescribe” is an interesting word. It is a word that comes from the fifteenth century Latin, literally meaning to “write” (scribe) “before” (pre). According to the “Dictionary of Word Origins” by Joseph T. Shipley, Ph.D, [© 1945, 1964, published by Littlefield, Adams & Co.] this word was originally used with reference to a title page or an introduction. In this sense the “prescription” (pre-writing) clues in to what was to follow.

God, as the Creator of life, has provided His Word to clue us in to what is to follow and be followed. When His orders are ignored, what can be expected in life? Spiritual health will be impaired and death (eternal separation from God) will occur. However, to FOLLOW GOD’S PRESCRIPTION for life can serve as PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE for our spiritual wellbeing. What He has provided brings His Divine nature into our lives and protects us from the corruption of the world. (note 2 Peter 1:4) It is a lot easier to prevent than it sometimes is to cure. Therefore we ought to be serious about the things God has prescribed for life.

Peter urged…
“(5) For this very reason, MAKE EVERY EFFORT to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7) and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (8) For if THESE QUALITIES are yours and are increasing, they KEEP YOU FROM BEING INEFFECTIVE OR UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” ( 2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV)

Let us never view God’s standard as a “hard pill” to swallow, but rather as the means of attaining and retaining the spiritual health that will sustain us through whatever adversity we might face in this life. God knows what is best for us. His diagnosis is never wrong. Whatever ails the spiritual life, HIS PRESCRIPTION provides the remedy. Our body may last a lifetime, but the soul has an eternal destination. Therefore spiritual health must be a priority.

May it be so with each one of us as was John’s stated desire for Gaius…
“(2) Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, AS IT GOES WELL WITH YOUR SOUL.” ( 3 John 2 ESV)

Have a great day BLESSED BY GOD’S PRESCRIBED PRECEPTS AND PROMISES!
Carl

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