Modern medicine and technology has come a long way from where it was, and medicine is still advancing today and into the future. There have been many cures to illnesses and several vaccines made to prevent them. With medicine advancing, several people are being cured of diseases that were once thought to be incurable. On the contrary, are these medical advances stepping in the way of the Lord’s will?
Since the 20th century, there have been significant medical advances such as the first blood transfusion, vaccines for diphtheria, pertussis, tuberculosis, tetanus, typhus, influenza, and many others, the use of insulin as treatment for diabetes, and also the development of the first pacemaker to control irregular heartbeat. These are just a few of the 20th century’s major medical milestones.
So are we stepping in the way of God’s will? Well, let’s take a glance at what Scripture tells us.
Throughout the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), Jesus performed countless miracles, and medical miracles were among them. A few of these medical phenomena include: healing a leper, raising Lazarus from the dead, curing a paralytic, opening the eyes of the blind, and healing a deaf and mute man. Modern medicine has yet to find a cure to any of these miracles that Jesus performed. Since Jesus is the Son of God, He was able to perform these phenomenal things.
God has the power of healing, so are we trying to become “God” by practicing medicine? Are we trying to undermine God’s healing power or negate His will? Again, let’s look at Scripture.
Luke, the author of the book of Luke (one of the four Gospels), was referenced to as the “beloved physician.” The Bible never states that Luke stopped using his skills after he was saved, so there is not a statement in the Bible that strictly prohibits the practice of medicine. In addition, God states in Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” As Christians, we are to be a vessel for the Lord. This means that we open ourselves to the Lord so that He works through us and in us to accomplish His will. God uses our talents and spiritual gifts to accomplish what He desires, and He does this in His timing.
With this said, I believe that medical advancement and practice is a good thing. When we witness to the lost, God is working through us to reach that lost soul. I believe the same is true with medicine. God works through doctors, nurses, medical professionals, and specialists to heal people, and—through this avenue—the lost may be saved. As Christians working in the medical field, we are to be the salt and the light that illuminates God’s love to patients. Instead of taking the credit and glory for a patient’s recovery, remember the Great Physician is the one Who deserves recognition. Without Him, life (physical and spiritual) would not be obtainable.
