Physicians of No Value
Ministry: it has become such an institution that its tenets are taken for granted. The word conjures images of men and women preaching behind great wooden pulpits or a woman belting out a solo in choir for all to hear.
While these offices certainly may fall within ministry; at times, they do not! In using ‘ministry’ as a category of service or label for certain actions or offices, we have lost the depth of its meaning. We use it as a qualifier or descriptive term.
For instance, I have noticed that most people in secular society define themselves by their source of income. They label themselves as bankers, teachers, lawyers, waitresses, and entrepreneurs. I wonder if we have turned the label ‘minister’ into the same off-handed category that considers a person’s position or livelihood without regard to its effectiveness!
Trust me, there is a difference between those simply labeled as ministers and those who make full-proof of their calling. It’s what separates the men from the boys, the women from the girls, the true servant of God from the professionalized vocation.
So, to begin, let me simply establish that a person we call a minister may not necessarily minister and one who does in fact minister may lack the title! Confusing? Keep reading!
Physicians Under the Great Physician
While these offices certainly may fall within ministry; at times, they do not! In using ‘ministry’ as a category of service or label for certain actions or offices, we have lost the depth of its meaning. We use it as a qualifier or descriptive term.
For instance, I have noticed that most people in secular society define themselves by their source of income. They label themselves as bankers, teachers, lawyers, waitresses, and entrepreneurs. I wonder if we have turned the label ‘minister’ into the same off-handed category that considers a person’s position or livelihood without regard to its effectiveness!
Trust me, there is a difference between those simply labeled as ministers and those who make full-proof of their calling. It’s what separates the men from the boys, the women from the girls, the true servant of God from the professionalized vocation.
So, to begin, let me simply establish that a person we call a minister may not necessarily minister and one who does in fact minister may lack the title! Confusing? Keep reading!
Physicians Under the Great Physician
While I have indeed experienced ‘ministry’ that did not minister, this devotional is not in response to any particular instance. Instead, I found that the problem is not generational or modern; in fact, Job experienced such ‘ministry.’
As we all know from our readings these past few days, Job lost all: his health, his children, his belongings. Supposedly to encourage and strengthen him, four friends chose to visit him in his distress.
Over the course of almost the entire book of Job, we find a man who has lost all and is distraught…yet trusting still of God. In fact, he proclaims through his emotional and physical pain, “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).
While Job indeed cursed the day he was born, scripture tells us that he did not “charge God foolishly” (Job 1:22). His friends, however, were another story.
Whilst they did not attack God, they indeed put on airs as if understanding God’s ways. First, they challenged Job, questioning his integrity and love for God, assuming that anyone facing such a trial must have been in sin.
However, Matthew 5:45 tells us that “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
In fact, as Job argues, all mankind endures trials—the righteous and sinful alike. He says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?” (Job 14:1-3).
When Job insists that he is living righteously, he is rebuked by the men who have no proof of his wrong-doing. Even as they instruct Job that he will never fully understand God’s ways, they set themselves up as judges over God’s child, assuming, in essence, that they do understand God.
This is not the role of a minister, however, or even of a true friend. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.” (I Peter 5:2-3).
In fact, these men decided they could speak for God, thinking they knew what He must be thinking.
Unfortunately, instead of encouraging Job closer to the Lord and assisting him, these men began an argument that frustrated and discouraged the man. Luckily, he had a strong enough character to withstand the onslaught, but how many do we come into contact with who are like Job? God chose Job to show Satan that he was perfect and upright; many of those we meet day-to-day are not in such a position of perfection and righteousness yet they endure much harsher ‘ministry’ attempts than Job. Is it any wonder our world is full of hurting, confused, backslidden people?
What did Job call these ‘ministers?’ In Job 13:4, he called them “forgers of lies” and “physicians of no value.”
Physicians of No Value
While his accusation that they were forgers of lies may have been spoken in anger, it is the second label that interests me. You see, they rightfully said that God’s ways were beyond man and that God could not be reproached for what happened to Job. They rightfully said that some men suffer due to their ungodly actions—although such did not apply to Job.
It was the way in which they spoke the truth and twisted it to their own understanding that made them physicians of no value! Indeed, it was their reproach of Job that made their ministering counter-productive!
Jesus admonished us in Matthew 10:16 to “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Quite simply, if we truly love a person, we will be kind to them….but we will also tell them the truth! And, yes, both can be accomplished together!
We have two ideas of love in our world today. One—which has been largely adopted by the denominational church world—is that love should not convict or make someone uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this leads to ministers not preaching full truth for fear of offending the listeners; this is a feigned love because it can only lead to those souls being lost!
A lie—even a half truth—is not love! Telling someone he is alright when he is not and will be lost is not love. It is cowardice.
Telling a man who is sitting on the railroad tracks that he is safe will not save him when the train comes.
As we all know from our readings these past few days, Job lost all: his health, his children, his belongings. Supposedly to encourage and strengthen him, four friends chose to visit him in his distress.
Over the course of almost the entire book of Job, we find a man who has lost all and is distraught…yet trusting still of God. In fact, he proclaims through his emotional and physical pain, “though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).
While Job indeed cursed the day he was born, scripture tells us that he did not “charge God foolishly” (Job 1:22). His friends, however, were another story.
Whilst they did not attack God, they indeed put on airs as if understanding God’s ways. First, they challenged Job, questioning his integrity and love for God, assuming that anyone facing such a trial must have been in sin.
However, Matthew 5:45 tells us that “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
In fact, as Job argues, all mankind endures trials—the righteous and sinful alike. He says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?” (Job 14:1-3).
When Job insists that he is living righteously, he is rebuked by the men who have no proof of his wrong-doing. Even as they instruct Job that he will never fully understand God’s ways, they set themselves up as judges over God’s child, assuming, in essence, that they do understand God.
This is not the role of a minister, however, or even of a true friend. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.” (I Peter 5:2-3).
In fact, these men decided they could speak for God, thinking they knew what He must be thinking.
Unfortunately, instead of encouraging Job closer to the Lord and assisting him, these men began an argument that frustrated and discouraged the man. Luckily, he had a strong enough character to withstand the onslaught, but how many do we come into contact with who are like Job? God chose Job to show Satan that he was perfect and upright; many of those we meet day-to-day are not in such a position of perfection and righteousness yet they endure much harsher ‘ministry’ attempts than Job. Is it any wonder our world is full of hurting, confused, backslidden people?
What did Job call these ‘ministers?’ In Job 13:4, he called them “forgers of lies” and “physicians of no value.”
Physicians of No Value
While his accusation that they were forgers of lies may have been spoken in anger, it is the second label that interests me. You see, they rightfully said that God’s ways were beyond man and that God could not be reproached for what happened to Job. They rightfully said that some men suffer due to their ungodly actions—although such did not apply to Job.
It was the way in which they spoke the truth and twisted it to their own understanding that made them physicians of no value! Indeed, it was their reproach of Job that made their ministering counter-productive!
Jesus admonished us in Matthew 10:16 to “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
Quite simply, if we truly love a person, we will be kind to them….but we will also tell them the truth! And, yes, both can be accomplished together!
We have two ideas of love in our world today. One—which has been largely adopted by the denominational church world—is that love should not convict or make someone uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this leads to ministers not preaching full truth for fear of offending the listeners; this is a feigned love because it can only lead to those souls being lost!
A lie—even a half truth—is not love! Telling someone he is alright when he is not and will be lost is not love. It is cowardice.
Telling a man who is sitting on the railroad tracks that he is safe will not save him when the train comes.
Hebrews 13:17 sets up those who minister as watchmen upon the wall of a city; they were to warn the inhabitants of impending danger so that the city could be saved. Their love of their families, their friends, their city would make them act when they saw something wasn’t right!
That being said, speaking the truth need not be harsh or condescending.
The second idea of love today seems to swing the pendulum the opposite direction. I have heard many preachers who skin their saints before they are even in the pew! Their idea of love is bluntly spouting anything that pops into their head without regard to how the person will receive this verbal attack.
It is important that our words be seasoned with love. Love carefully considers how to tell its friend he needs to change. Love provides every opportunity for repentance, helping him rather than condemning him when he fails.
We have so many young Christian men and women getting into arguments in forums and online discussion rooms; these arguments are not saving souls. In fact, they have nothing to do with love for the lost. They are about self-righteous indignation and the desire to be ‘right’ in the argument rather than ‘right’ in one’s heart.
Ephesians 4:15 says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” A God of love whose entire creation was formed by his hands in love, whose earthly ministry ended on a bloody cross due to his love, will not settle for his Word to be presented in any other way!
Consider for a moment that in I Peter 1:22, he spoke of Christians purifying their souls by obeying the truth which would lead to “unfeigned love of the brethren.” Essentially, if our words are not uplifting and spoken in love, it is our heart that is impure, rather than the person we are admonishing.
Let us be cautious that our words relate our compassion for souls, that our ministry would not be in vain. Essentially, “he that winneth souls is wise” because he uses wisdom in how he approaches them, leading to the salvation rather than destruction of a life (Proverbs 11:30).
Let us be cautious that—though our words must instruct others in the way of salvation and to lead godly lives—that they not distance the creation from its creator!
Words Aren’t All A Physician Dispels!
1 John 3:18 says, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Every Christian is called to be a witness, meaning we are all ministers in some way.
It is so important that we not be physicians with no value, however. So many times, I’ve caught myself busy about ministry activities: singing, organizing, teaching, etc. I get so busy in the actions of ministry that I forget to assess whether my actions are bringing results!
Perhaps in some respects, we need to have a more business-like perspective. Does this program we’re so fond of win souls or disciple them? Are we succeeding in placing a foundation under our new converts through fellowship and teaching so that they can become pillars of the congregation themselves?
Sometimes I’m afraid that we run our ship from our comfort zone. For instance, we say ‘My father always sailed with the tides and heavy rigging so I will too,” not realizing we may be stationed on a river without a tide or heavy wind. Just a thought!
Sometimes you have to step out and try something new. Please do understand, however, that the doctrine and gospel are non-negotiable. That does not change…but the way we reach out to people can and should be measured for effectiveness and if we find need to go back to the drawing board, then let’s do it before more people slip into eternity lost!
More than any position we could ever esteem to fill, more than any talent we may strive to possess, let us first learn to minister to needs—whatever they are!
A real physician:
*** Looks at the person as a whole
*** Listens to the person and understands that he or she is individual and unique
*** Diagnoses the problem through careful study
*** Prescribes and oversees treatment
*** Then he follows through until the issue is resolved
*** Finally, he educates the patient to assure future good health.
So, a real minister of the gospel:
***Looks at the soul as a whole. What is he or she dealing with financially, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and within their circle of acquaintance? What are all the factors surrounding the situation?
*** Listens to the person and understands that he or she is individual and unique. Don’t assume that every person can be reached or counseled the same way. People are unique and sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone to reach them. Paul said, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (I Cor. 9:22).
***Diagnoses the problem through careful study. “Know them which labour among you” (I Thess. 5:12). As only God knows the heart of man, we must seek God’s wisdom in understanding people and how to help them. Only with his guidance, as provided through prayer and study of His Word, can we lead them to truth and healing.
*** Prescribes and oversees treatment. Often we counsel friends or saints and then forget that they are still struggling. Or we become aggravated when a person who struggles with holiness or spiritual understanding makes yet another mistake. Instead, a physician knows that his patient is not strong enough to maintain this new treatment alone; he, therefore, makes certain that he monitors and assists throughout the entire process. If you want to win a soul, it’s going to take more than one Bible study! It’s going to take a few dozen cups of coffee, a few dinners, calls in the middle of the night, and constant prayer.
***Follows through until the issue is resolved. Don’t give up so easily on people you’ve witnessed to. While it is true that one plants and one waters, but God gives the increase, please realize that the weeding process is ongoing! Constant vigilance and perseverance is the road to a good harvest!
***Finally, the physician educates the patient for future good health. As new souls are birthed into the kingdom, we must disciple them. They need a foundational understanding of truth so that they become pillars of our congregation and can be there when you are weak! Equip them as soul-winners! Establish them with a Search for Truth I Bible Study! Raise them up as ministers themselves by helping them develop a talent or use a current talent in the kingdom of God. You work on cars? Great! Come double-check the church bus each month to make sure we’re keeping it in working order! You draw? Great! We could use a few bulletin boards to make our saints smile!
Ultimately, II Timothy 4:5 says to “make full-proof of thy ministry.”
Although I do not agree to any pledge that names a pagan god as its recipient, I found these lines in the Hyppocratic Oath, taken by doctors, to be of particular interest:
*** I swear to never do harm to anyone.
*** I swear to preserve the purity of my life and my arts.
*** I swear to keep secret and never reveal the private knowledge others confide to me.
*** I swear that in every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing.
Can we say the same today?
