A striking feature of Jesus’ ministry is the wisdom he showed in responding to questions and in training his disciples. His example is highly relevant to us in our dual role as carers and trainers. Wise answers When asked difficult questions, Jesus not only answered shrewdly but invariably made capital out of...
Having a pattern to follow is not our only need as healthcare workers. Attempts to follow Christ’s example inevitably fail unless they are energised by his supernatural power. The Gospels record how constantly and critically Jesus was watched, [1,2] and the same is true of those who profess to follow...
Jesus summed up God's demands on mankind in two key commands: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbour as yourself'.[1] Jesus fulfilled both perfectly in making it his supreme objective to do the will...
Instructions are useful, but examples are more effective. Today's healthcare workers very much need good role models. Oh, for another Florence Nightingale, a Thomas Barnardo or a Mother Teresa. Well, where did their inspiration come from? None other than Jesus Christ. I suggest there can be no greater role model...
Recently, a consultant surgeon in mid-career wrote to me, 'Many of us are very tired and many just want to get out of work as soon as possible. There is certainly a perception that things have never been worse in the memories of anyone working today. I think perhaps the...
The idea that a profession, such as medicine, might be a calling from God has little resonance these days. When not used in the traditional sense as a divine call to a religious life, the word 'vocation' is generally applied, in a dumbed down sense, to a regular occupation or...
Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Welsh physician-cum-preacher, once wrote a monograph titled 'Will Hospital Replace the Church?'[1] He pointed out the unique and vital role of the church in meeting the spiritual needs of hospital patients. Three decades on hardly anyone would argue with his view. Even the Department of Health...
The story of Mephibosheth 1 offers a remarkable parable of God's kindness to us. After many years as a fugitive David is firmly established as King of Israel. His enemies have melted away and his kingdom is enjoying peace. 'God has been kind to me' argues the King. 'Can I...
Although the concept of the living will has been around in the USA for over 20 years, there are still some doctors in Britain to whom it is unfamiliar. So it will be well to start with a definition. The term 'living will' has been applied to a written statement...