The calendar alerted me to my appointment. It was 56 days, eight weeks since my last blood donation. I could donate once again… and check my cholesterol. When I was a pathology resident, one of my clinical responsibilities was to oversee the hospital blood bank and blood donor center. I, and most of my fellow residents, wanted to set a good example by also donating blood. If one is in good health, whole blood may be donated every 56 days. A perk that was offered to me as a pathology resident was the option to send a sample of my blood to the laboratory to check my serum lipid levels. During this time, there was a great deal of attention focused upon different ways to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A variety of interventions including high oral doses of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, vigorous exercise, red wine, and low fat and high protein diets were touted. I decided I would experiment on myself to find what worked best for me.

For two months, I took Vitamins C and E, then measured my levels. No change. The next two months were vigorous aerobic daily exercise. No change. The next two months was a daily glass of red wine. Same negative result. The only intervention that worked was an extreme low-fat diet, almost like a vegan diet, before the term was in vogue. Yes, my lipid levels did decline but I was miserable, longing for food that a hard-core carnivore, like me, loved. No, it would have to be another way. By chance, I stumbled upon the proper treatment. I took soluble fiber pills with dramatic results. My lipid levels dramatically decreased, and my HDL (so-called good cholesterol) doubled. I did not change my diet, drink wine, exercise, or take vitamin supplements. It was all done with soluble fiber. 

While all of the other interventions have been shown to work in different groups of patients, the only one that worked for me was soluble fiber. Whenever patients or friends come to me for advice on how to lower their lipid levels, I share my experience with them but add the disclaimer that although it worked for me, it may not work for them. Medical treatments must be tailored for the individual.

Our spiritual lives are no different. There is no local church that is the right fit for all Christian believers. One may seek an uplifting music worship service, while others focus upon an active youth or young adult ministry. These are very important and relevant for anyone making a decision about joining a church. However, in addition to meeting one’s personal needs and goals, honoring God should always be at the core of any church.

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. 

Isaiah 29:13 (NLT)

Like finding the proper medical intervention, the process of finding the right church may take time. There are many options, but a godly church will honor God and ground its teachings solely upon the Bible. Many church programs and ministries may seem attractive, fulfilling one’s personal needs but if the church does not honor God, the worship is man-made and is an affront to God.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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