Daily Reflections, Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Today's Scripture: Matthew 25:42-45

Missionary surgeon, Paul Brand, died July 8, 2003 in Seattle. He was 89 years old. He worked at the Ida Scudder Hospital in Vellore, India for many years. There, Brand pioneered surgical work with those suffering from the bacterial infection known as Hansen’s Disease. He was the first to use reconstructive surgery to correct leprous deformities in the hands and feet. His discoveries allowed many to avoid incurring deformities. Brand wrote seven books and one hundred scientific papers.

While visiting the Ida Scudder Hospital in Vellore, I encountered some men who had received Brand’s reconstructive surgery on their hands. I was humbled to see the joy on their faces. Many years before I had read Brand’s classic book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

People like Paul Brand understood what the Christian life was really about. They knew that it is only in service to others that we can take on the mind of Christ. They understood that when they ministered to others, they were doing it as unto Christ.

Examine your own service for the King. Are you serving to please men or win the world’s approval? These are two of the worst reasons for service. We are serving our King because He gave His all for us. Jesus came not to be ministered unto but to minister and it is my life’s goal to adopt this same attitude every day of my life.

The head grows by taking in but the heart grows by giving out.—Author Unknown