Time for a Check-Up?

In October, I’ll hop into my Ford truck, get on the road, and drive across town to my appointment with Dr. B.

Dr. B has become a friend of sorts – taking care of my sweetheart and me for the last seven years. He’s slightly younger than we are (seems like everyone is these days!), but he’s “maturing” right alongside us.

When I see Dr. B in October, his nurse Natalia will check my blood pressure, weigh me (with shoes off, of course), and check my temperature. She’ll update my medication list and get me settled into an exam room. Natalia isn’t much of a talker, but I’m used to that.

Then Dr. B will breeze into the room, laptop in hands, wearing his crisp white lab coat and polished shoes. He’s a pleasant man, and he’ll make small talk before the battery of questions begins. His inquiry will cover every body system from head to toe. I’m a pretty good girl. I behave and take my medicine. Still, I can count on his disapproval when he eventually asks me if I add salt to my food. “Of course I do!” He’ll just shake his head.

He'll listen with his stethoscope to all of my important parts and check to make sure that those spots that come with “wisdom” (as he euphemistically calls aging) aren’t looking suspiciously like cancer. His thorough evaluation will end with a fun stop at the phlebotomist’s lab draw station. He’ll wish me well and promise to send results my way as soon as they’re available.

I know the drill because this is my annual routine with good ol’ Dr. B.

I appreciate his meticulous attention to the state of my physical health. I’m grateful for his easy-going bedside manner. I’m especially thankful for his knowledge and skilled application in the practice of medicine. That annual check-up is an opportunity to make sure I’m still good for another 100,000 miles and to potentially catch and address any problems while they’re still in their early stages.

There’s a spiritual equivalent to that check-up, and it’s called studying your Bible. I recently ran across an effective diagnostic for the state of my soul - disguised as a five-verse Psalm.

David is the author of Psalm 15. He wonders as he writes to the Lord: Who can live in proximity to this holy God? The Spirit speaks through David’s recorded words as I, too, wonder who’s fit for life in God’s presence. The self-examination begins…

“He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous…” Am I pursuing a virtuous, upstanding life that honors my King?

“…who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue…” Do my words communicate the heart of God’s Word? Do I resolutely refrain from using my words to cause harm?

“…who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman…” Am I committed to being a blessing and generously giving the benefit of the doubt?

“…who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord…” Do I use discernment in whom I allow to influence me, giving preference to the humble follower of Christ as I journey through life?

“…who keeps his oath even when it hurts…” Am I faithful to my commitments, being known to others as a reliable friend?

“…who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.” Are integrity, generosity, and purity of heart my calling cards?

“He who does these things will never be shaken.”

A physical exam is a prudent measure to ensure that our bodies are healthy. Wise believers constantly examine our lives to ensure the health of our souls. To catch a spiritual ailment in its early stages is an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to heal us and to empower us to quickly return to the Lord – before painful, invasive intervention is necessary. Thankfully, we have His Word to diagnose, treat, and restore our souls to wholeness in Christ.

Be well, brothers and sisters. Be in the Word. The Great Physician will see you now.