The patient had a rash that sporadically recurred over the last ten years. He had seen numerous dermatologists, rheumatologists, and endocrinologists and undergone several biopsies. All of their consultation reports as well as the previous biopsies were sent to me for an additional consultation. As I completed the last sentence of my consultation, I remembered the words of one of my mentors in surgical pathology. “The objective of a good pathology report is to not generate a phone call from the submitting physician.”
These words have proven to be true throughout my career. If I do not carefully anticipate every question or choose my words carefully, the inevitable phone call results, asking for clarification. I then spend a great deal of time, repeatedly explaining my consultation report to the various involved physicians, when it could have all been avoided if I took the extra time with my initial report.
What about my spiritual walk with God? Unlike my clients, the more feedback I receive from Him, the better. In fact, the very times when I think I am doing well, is when I need Him the most. I become prideful, thinking that I am able to navigate the potholes of life by my own efforts. In reality, I am separating myself from God’s guidance and His voice grows faint and distant. The great Christian author and apologist, C.S. Lewis, eloquently wrote, “For pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.”
The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies. They think, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!”
Psalms 10:4-6 (NLT)
In life, a good report may not generate unnecessary calls and questions. In God’s Kingdom, the more intervention and calls He gives me, the better. When I am prideful, there is no room for God to work in my life. I can never be content to rest upon my own efforts when I serve God.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 