We are living in neopagan times, when religion in general, and Christianity in particular, is not meeting with that hearty response in the hearts and lives of men that we would all wish to see. Direct attack against sin, and first-line aggressiveness for the gospel which we rightfully expect of Christian ministers and Bible workers, are not commensurate with the efforts put forth. Indirect methods of gospel promotion often go farther and are more effective than a direct procedure. Flank strategy is, therefore, becoming increasingly more imperative than the frontal assault.
Because of this indifferent attitude toward religious matters in present-day civilization, the opportunity for gospel evangelization on the part of the medical workers in our ranks is at a high mark. People who will have nothing to do with ecclesiastical and evangelistic workers will take kindly to the gospel endeavors of those who minister to their bodily needs. The help and assistance which they receive physically remove the prejudice and antipathy which they may have religiously and spiritually. Let the truly Christian medical worker have a consuming love of souls for whom Christ died, and there is no limit to the number of open doors for gospel entrance and reception.
Here is a challenge that must be met by all who engage in various forms of medical service. It must be met in the same manner in which Jesus met it two thousand years ago —by joining in inseparable unity the healing of the sick and the preaching of the kingdom of God. If, as we profoundly believe, there is a close parallel between the days of our Lord and our own time, the lesson is inescapable and the responsibility is unavoidable. In "Counsels on Health" we read these words:
"The Saviour devoted more time and labor to healing the afflicted of their maladies than to preach ing. His last injunction to His apostles, His representatives on earth, was to lay hands on the sick that they might recover. When the Master shall come, He will commend those who have visited the sick and relieved the necessities of the afflicted.
"The tender sympathies of our Saviour were aroused for fallen and suffering humanity. If you would be His followers, you must cultivate compassion and sympathy. Indifference to human woes must give place to lively interest in the sufferings of others. The widow, the orphan, the sick and the dying, will always need help. Here is an opportunity to proclaim the gospel,—to hold up Jesus, the hope and consolation of all men. When the suffering body has been relieved, and you have shown a lively interest in the afflicted, the heart is opened, and you can pour in the heavenly balm. If you are looking to Jesus, and drawing from Him knowledge, and strength, and grace, you can impart His consolation to others, because the Comforter is with you."—Page 34.
We have purposely italicized the closing sentences of this quotation from the messenger of the Lord to direct the attention of our medical workers to their privilege and stewardship. Never has there been more suffering and distress in the world than now. War, crime, worry, pains, physical ills, mental ills, and spiritual ills are crushing human lives, and making living a tragedy and a disappointment. Unknown numbers are discouraged and hopeless. Life holds nothing for them but misery in its varied forms, and the only harvest they gather is that of barren regret. In the true words of Israel Zangwill, they live on only because they have not the courage to die.
On this sorry background, how glorious and shining stand out the kindly endeavors of the Christian physician, nurse, technician, dietitian, or other medical helper. At such a time as this, we are reminded of the words of Lord Nelson in the critical naval battle of Trafalgar. The old sea dog, who died of wounds on the deck of his ship, gave these heroic words to his men: "England expects every man to do his duty !"
Knowing that Armageddon is rapidly descending upon us, "the battle of that great day of God Almighty," is it not now plainly true that our Commander looks to each of us to do his duty? Our warfare is not carnal, but spiritual. Our arms and ammunition are not the diabolic shells and shot of materialistic destruction. They are "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." They are the message of salvation for the souls of men, the balm of Gilead for aching hearts. May we sense the day of our visitation, and stand as men who know the time of their Lord's coming.
