A Painful Operation

In 1809, Dr. Ephraim McDowell’s examination of a patient revealed that she had an abdominal tumor which would soon kill her.  Though abdominal surgery was unheard of in those days, the woman finally persuaded the doctor to operate.

The surgery lasted for twenty-six minutes and the twenty-two pound tumor was successfully removed.  Since there were no anesthetics back then, the pain involved was almost unbearable.  Why, then, would this woman so forcefully insist that the doctor inflict such agony on her?  Quite simply, because she preferred the pain to its alternative – death.

One of the most painful examinations that any sincere seeker of truth must experience is the self examination which God requires of all men (II Cor. 13:5).

Our goal should be to examine our life with the same objectivity that God uses in evaluating our character.  Since He knows about us (Heb. 4:13), and since His “gauge” is the only accurate one, we should relish any proper correction in our life that is necessary.  If the exam reveals a flaw in my character, and if I want to avoid spiritual death, I will gladly accept the correction.  If I want to die, I can simply ignore the warnings or refuse to take the examination.  It’s that simple.

– by Rick Duggin