But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. - 1 Corinthians 15:20

Facing Eternity - Making Decisions

Rev. Robert Fleischmann, National Director, Christian Life Resources
Forward in Christ Magazine, December 2005
Jim knew he wasn’t feeling quite right. Though normally hesitant to even visit a doctor for life’s bumps and bruises, this time he thought he should go in for a checkup.

Those who regularly visit a doctor can’t understand the thoughts running through Jim’s mind at such a time. For one thing, a doctor's visit is eye-opening for people who don’t go to a doctor much. Yes, the health care professional still checks how much you weigh and how tall you are. Now, however, your vital statistics can be obtained in less invasive ways: your blood pressure can be checked without a stethoscope, your body temperature taken by inserting something in your ear for only a few moments, and the amount of oxygen in your blood by putting a clamp on your finger. Things are different. The technology and options are more available.

Questions in need of answers

When Jim went to see his doctor he was presented with a list of tests he could undergo. Some were fairly simple and obvious. Others were a bit more invasive. “So what do you think, Jim?” – an easy question for the doctor to ask, but a difficult one for Jim to answer.

Looking to his wife of 27 years Jim found the assurance to start slow and begin with the easy, noninvasive testing. Two weeks later new questions were raised from those tests to try the more invasive testing. He needed to spend a night in the hospital. Now the decisions were getting really tough for Jim.

It seemed so much easier years ago. There were fewer options and, therefore, fewer decisions. Back then the doctor made most of those decisions, and the patients obediently followed the direction. Today, with increased options and litigation risks for the medical profession, the patient must make more decisions. He decides on the treatment, the timing, the medicine, and the testing. He can do it all – some of it – or none of it.

How far does one go in treating an illness? Does a person ever do too much to save life? When does ordinary care become extraordinary? How do we know when God wishes us to fight harder to preserve life or when He is truly taking life?

Answers in need of tests

Because of the blessings of technology and increased knowledge of the human condition more options and greater potential to extend life are available. A century or two ago, a poisonous snakebite in the wild meant certain death. Today emergency helicopters can whisk a person to treatment and likely preserve their life.

How do we decide? Few of us have enough medical training to make a good decision about taking aspirin, let alone invasive medical testing. Yet, those are the questions and challenges of our time.

As Jim considered the serious nature of his tests he knew his situation was more than a bump or bruise. This caused him to seriously think about his own mortality and the fragile nature of his life. Years ago, when serving on the church’s evangelism committee, he used to ask a prospect, "If you were to die tonight, do you know where you will be?" Now, for the first time, he asked himself that same question.

Jim rejoiced in his knowledge of the Savior but he had to admit, the barrage of medical decisions made him nervous. At times he thought of his own mortality with eagerness. He could hardly wait to die and be with Christ, which he knew was better than anything on earth (Philippians 1:23). He also had to admit, however, that there were times he was scared to die (Mark 9:24).

The answer of faith

He found the blessing of circumstance in the crisis of decision-making. For the first time he looked at his own life on an eternal timeline. While it bothered him to see the anxiety in the eyes of his loved ones, he found in his faith an unexpected strength to face what was ahead.

Jim felt frustration because, before his medical crisis, he lived a rather uncomplicated life. He enjoyed great health until this point and obviously felt unprepared for this change. But he found in this circumstance not only the inner strength of his God-given faith but also an opening to talk about his faith.

That was an odd experience. Yes, he was on the evangelism team at one time. Yes, he memorized a few passages and was able to share the message that fit his evangelism calls. Now, however, his circumstance concerned others, and the attention they paid to him provided a wonderfully unique forum to talk about life, death and life that does not end.

As Jim talked with coworkers and friends about his forthcoming medical tests in the hospital he was surprised about how natural it was for him to talk about his faith. It wasn’t as formalistic as it was when he made those evangelism calls. He also was surprised at how well his words were received. Fellow Christians found encouragement by his witness. Non-Christians patiently listened and began to wonder about this inner strength he was displaying (1 Peter 3:15).

Faith-aligned priorities

When he registered at the hospital Jim was asked if he had a living will or some form of medical directive. He came prepared. He and his pastor spent time among other things discussing such a document. Jim was able to fill out a Christian medical directive that not only designated his wife as his health care agent, but especially witnessed to this faith that was sustaining him through the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

As it turned out, the testing indicated a congenital heart problem, and a relatively simple surgery was performed. Jim went home the next day and rested for a few more days. In the quiet days that followed he reflected on the events since his initial visit with the doctor. He marveled at the advancements of medicine that allowed tinkering with his heart one day and recovery at home the next. He prayed often to God thanking him for the successful surgery. He also thought again about all the decisions.

Without a doubt medical issues are challenging and often very complex. The old “take two aspirin and call me in the morning” just doesn’t cut it. While Jim hoped for a burst of medical knowledge that would have made the decision-making easier, instead he found something more. He found that the faith God had realigned his priorities. His concerns were muted by the overriding opportunity God had given him to live his faith.

Today Jim’s conversation is candid about both his frailties and his strength in Christ. He still gets nervous at the thought of visiting the doctor. He is still frustrated by the complexities that make decision-making a real challenge. But he is more candid about the eternal life he has in Christ. While some of his decisions seemed overwhelming he rejoiced in God’s decision to send His Son as the Savior.

Jim’s pastor provided him with a Christian medical directive produced by Christian Life Resources. You can purchase one from CLR’s online store, Family Treasures and Gifts, calling Christian Life Resources at 1-800-729-9535, or downloading one for no cost from this website at: www.ChristianLifeResources.com

CLR NOTE: This is the second of a four-part series on end-of-life issues.

 

Article Shortcut: http://www.christianliferesources.com?5741

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