I went to the dentist yesterday for an exam and to have my
teeth cleaned. After the work was done
the hygienist went over a list of recommendations for the ongoing care of my
teeth. For the most part I knew what to
expect, as my dentist has recommended for at least two years that I get several
crowns repaired. Last on the list was
the recommendation that I wear a mouth guard at night.
To say I didn't take this recommendation well would be an
understatement, as I basically told the hygienist that it was ridiculous. (I'll confess that at this moment I was being
unfair to the hygienist, who did an excellent job with my teeth, and who, for
as much as I understand of her responsibilities at the dentist's office, always
does excellent work.)
Anyhow, in my push-back on the mouth guard idea I
"asked" for some sort of objective evidence concerning it's benefit
for my teeth. Among the responses I
heard back was this: that she herself uses one.
Unconvinced, I made an appointment to get a filling taken care of and
left the office.
I thought about the words we exchanged as I drove home,
particularly her supporting the need for a mouth guard through her own use of
one. It occurred to me that that kind
of recommendation was a testimonial from personal experience, in combination
with her professional experience. And
next came the realization that in my present vocation, I would, and do, the
exact same thing, all the time.
As a pastor, everything I do in the key parts of my calling
has to do with the Bible. Be it
preaching, visiting in homes, hospitals and nursing homes, teaching or
counseling, everything is grounded in the Bible.
I open it and read it during worship. I study it and explain it, hoping to apply
it's truth to whomever I am with at the moment.
I read it and pray it with those I visit and counsel. I read it and pray it for myself and with my
family. I encourage others to take up, read, ponder and apply its words for themselves.
Last Monday evening we kicked off another year of our
community youth ministry, and I'll close this post with the same words I used
in teaching the children that night, as my own testimonial, if you will,
although the words are the Lord's:
"All
Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction and for training in righteousness, that the man [or woman] of God
may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Scripture quotations
are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by
Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All
rights reserved.
