For Others

I've recently started a new job for a local hospital in a small town nearby.  My department is responsible for revenue management.  It is our responsibility to identify trends or patterns of errors that might interrupt our revenue flow.  Our duty is process improvement which means we find errors in insurance and patient billing, supply billing, patient registration, etc. as well as creating new processes for a smooth, positive patient experience.  We troubleshoot and create protocols, also.  In other words,  If this happens, then our process will be... Likewise, If this doesn't happen, then we will...  Thus, new systems are put into place, new policies are implemented, employee education is conducted, and a new policy or instruction manual for present and future employees is created. 

This morning over coffee, I began to compare my job duties for the hospital with my job duties as a Christian.  I was astonished at the similarities. 

The Bible is our complete instruction manual written by the saints of old for present and future saints.  It is a compilation of experiences designed to help us avoid traps and pitfalls as well as offering us comfort and redemption if we do make errors along the way.  There are definitely patterns of behavior outlined in the pages of this awesome book.  For example, if we study the story of the Israelites, we can avoid taking 40 years  to make an 11-day journey. (Deuteronomy 1:2)  Their biggest pitfall was grumbling and complaining coupled with a major lack of faith.  The entire book of Proverbs provides wisdom on almost any topic you can imagine.  The New Testament gives us the story of Redemption, Christ's love for us, revelation of our Heavenly Father's plan for us, and constant encouragement as we strive for perfection.

There are numerous Christian authors whose writings covering various topics are spread throughout the whole world via books, magazines, television spots, cd's, dvd's, podcasts, internet blogs and websites.  If you've read a few of my blogs, you will know Joyce Meyer's ministry has been instrumental in my journey.  Beth Moore is another author I admire.  The obedience and humility of these two women have produced valuable tools that have ministered to me on many occasions.  There are wonderful aides and study guides to supplement your study of The Word.

The other night, I was really agonizing over some things, mostly those mind games I've written about previously.  I prayed, God, I have to figure this out.  I must find the answer, the key.  Not just for me, for my sanity, but for others who are in the exact same place I am right now.  Help me to pass this test so that I might help others pass theirs.  I thought about my two daughters.  I have prayed countless times that they will not fall into those same traps that I have fallen into over the years.  You see, our primary job duty, our purpose on this earth, is to win souls for The Kingdom.  If you are about to give up on yourself, think about someone else who may need your wisdom down the road whether it is your children, younger siblings, best friends or even complete strangers who may cross your path.  What is the point, afterall, in going through these tough times, if we can't help someone else?  The most perfect example is Jesus Christ.  He faced everything we do, and sinned not. (Hebrews 4:15) The Bible tells us how to do that very same thing.

So, when you are struggling in a particular area of your life, work to find the key to deliverance.  With every test you pass or even fail for that matter, you gain wisdom.  That wisdom can be the very tool that snatches a sinner from the gates of hell.  We are in the business of saving souls. 

Ephesians 6:18 tenders the instruction to "Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."  We are in essence employed by Heaven and so I began to wonder if I am a valuable employee?  What would my employee evaluation reflect?  Have I brought souls into The Kingdom or have I actually been used or employed by Satan to push those souls closer to an eternal hell?  We should strive to do our very best for we do indeed have the greatest employer there could ever be.  God is always there to assist us with any problem that may arise and He lends His total support.  David wrote in Psalm 121:5, "The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade."  O, how He loves you and me!  It is because of that great love that He will help you pass the test.  His Word promises us and He has never, no not ever, broken a single promise.  He is faithful--He tells us that He is "watching to see that His word is fulfilled.” (Jeremiah 1:12)

I leave you with the words of Paul...

2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."