Do It for Him

With the recent death of my father, I have realized again how precious and amazing is our gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only when we have trusted Christ with our lives are we assured not only of an abundant life in Him, but also eternal life with Him some day. As I have thought more about eternal life and as I imagine my dad spending time with Jesus at this moment, I am reminded of how Dad’s life truly demonstrated his love for his Savior, Jesus. He lived to bring glory to the Lord by helping others come to salvation in Christ and grow in Him. He lived with an eternal purpose and perspective, knowing that only what is done for Christ will last.

As a young physician, my father gave his life and his medical practice totally over to Christ. He then began viewing his practice as the Lord’s ministry. He wanted the Great Physician to use him to minister to others and to help them heal spiritually as well as physically. I had the privilege of working in his office one summer during high school and I saw firsthand how God was using him. With kindness, gentleness, and compassion, my dad cared for his patients by giving them not only medical help but spiritual guidance as well. He reminded me many times, “Whatever you do, do it for God’s glory.”

Dad would share his story of God’s grace in his life, counsel and pray with his patients, and led many to salvation. Sometimes his handwritten prescription for a patient would be a Bible verse instead of medicine. Seeing his passion for Jesus in action every day spoke volumes to me as a teen. My dad helped me realize that no matter what profession I chose in life, it could be used as a ministry to help bring others to salvation in Christ and bring glory to Him.

My father left a great legacy for my family and it causes me to continually ask myself: Am I glorifying God through the daily routines of my life and allowing Him to minister through me? And am I living in such a way that others are drawn to Christ?

Lord Jesus, help me to live this day in a way that brings You glory and causes others to want to know You. Amen.