THE TAUNT that Jesus anticipated from His home town congregation at Nazareth consisted of the familiar Jewish proverb, "Physician, heal thyself." Jesus, of course, was the only Man who never needed that kind of ad monition. It is, however, most pertinent to those called by Christ to be physicians of the soul today. Before we can heal others we must find healing and restoration for ourselves.
Before healing, though, comes an accurate diagnosis of the disease. And this is the most difficult part of all. To be able to acknowledge our own weakness and needs takes much humility and soul searching. Too often we deal with symptoms and, when these are cleared up, seem satisfied that we've taken care of the basic problem. But it is still there and continues to manifest itself from time to time in a variety of ways. These symptoms or shortcomings are usually rationalized away by such excuses as "I'm really tired. I've been under so much pressure. All I need is a few days' rest." But what we really must do is recognize the underlying cause of our problems, face up to the cancerous malady and turn to the Great Physician who alone can cure us.
What is the great destroyer of the ministry? Is it immorality or penuriousness or materialism or a spirit of independence or a host of other such superficial manifestations? Not really. These are just twigs on the branches. We need to get down to the roots. The basic problem is the self-centeredness of sinful man and the natural re action of the "carnal" mind. Paul, in Romans 7, indicates that there were times, even in his Christian experience as a worker for Christ, when he was living on this level and feeling "wretched" about it. And most of us, if we're honest with ourselves, will have to admit that often this is the level on which we're operating.
Why? The answer is probably quite complex. But one problem most of us face as ministers is an individualized, separated sense of having to develop our Christian experience in isolation. We are "set apart." We're separated from our brethren by ordination and the resultant ministerial role that we must fulfill in order not to disappoint the expectations of our parishioners.
But such artificial separation does not encourage the kind of fellowship and communication that enables Christians to grow in grace in an atmosphere of mutually supportive love. Even in the midst of a large congregation the pastor can be a lonely man.
The liturgical and architectural structures of most Christian churches also make it difficult for pastor and congregation to effectively share growth and friendship in Christ. This is why so many to day are emphasizing the need for small group meetings as George Webber does in The Congregation in Mission. "No relationship of love can develop," he unequivocally states, "unless there are structures in which it can grow."
Somehow, in spite of these barriers, we need to get away from the superficial social relationship that is so typical of pastor-pew relationships today and truly fellowship in a spirit of mutual love, interest, and togetherness with the members of our congregations and with our families and fellow workers. Such a relationship comes only from a living fellow ship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit that enables us to forget roles and position and grow together in love. As someone has put it, "Birthdays, budgets, and busywork don't make believers into a body." As we grow in Christ we grow into unity with one an other.
Just as Christ's love, demonstrated on a daily basis, finally drew His disciples together in a togetherness that led to Pentecost, the outgoing, unselfish love of a pastor who is not concerned about status or perquisites can draw his congregation into the second Pentecost.
This is the crying need of our churches today and, most of all, of those of us called to minister not to be ministered to. Are we sick unto death of the selfishness and superficiality manifested among so many of our members today?
In humility and soul searching let us analyze our motives for service and our relationship with the flock the Lord has given us. If in doing so we arrive at a diagnosis that we need more humility and more of the truly Christian spirit of unselfish service, isn't it time to apply, by God's grace, the Jewish proverb, "Physician, heal thyself"?
