“Wait, what? You don’t read my comments?”
“No, lots of times, it doesn’t say anything important, like saying you notified me of the diagnosis.”
“That’s true. That is an important medical legal statement to indicate that I discussed the case with you.“ The volume of my voice was rising. “But there are many times that I am giving you clarification about the diagnosis or making treatment recommendations.”
“Well you should put it in the diagnosis.”
“But it’s not a diagnosis. It is a comment, a clarification and is literally included in the next line below the diagnosis.” I was incredulous that I was listening to my colleague’s disclosure of how he reads my reports.
In every diagnostic surgical pathology or dermatopathology report, beneath the diagnosis is a comment section. This section is optionally included at the discretion of the pathologist rendering the diagnosis. Diagnostic radiologists also add this section on their reports. The comment section clarifies the diagnosis and often offers treatment and management recommendations. It is as important as the diagnosis and should be given an equivalent degree of attention and scrutiny.
The Bible is replete with many profound statements. Every statement is the Truth of God but there is a danger of misinterpretation if one takes statements out of context or does not read the complete exposition of the passage. An example of this is found in the following well known verses in the Bible, often quoted by believers and seekers alike.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good…
Romans 8:28 (NASB)
This is a true statement but most of the time, people only quote this first portion, particularly when people are experiencing difficult times. It IS a comforting statement but the Truth is expanded and clarified with the remainder of the verse.
…to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NASB)
This verse was written for believers in Jesus Christ. Yes, God can bring out the best in every situation but He is bestowing a special blessing unto the believer who loves and obeys God. While it may happen, He is not promising that all problems will disappear and life will miraculously get better. The good that God promises is the assurance that if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will be transformed and conformed to His image. The sufferings and travails of this life are intended to teach us to grow in faith to become more like Jesus Christ.
Like a diagnostic report, every word the Bible records is important. One cannot berry pick a verse or a portion of a verse simply because it sounds nice. Every verse must be interpreted by the context in which it was written and compared to the entire Bible. The Bible must interpret itself and be internally consistent. As the Apostle Peter wrote:
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation…
2 Peter 1:20 (NASB)
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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