Integrating Faith and Practice

A physician in our church recently told me of how he was able to share his faith with a patient who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and how, in the course of the ensuing conversation, he was ultimately able to lead the elderly gentleman to faith in Christ. It was clear that his efforts to share his faith resulted not only in a blessing for his patient, but for the physician as well:

My heart leapt for joy as I left his hospital room. It was as if I could almost physically sense the angels of heaven that I know by the authority of God’s word were at that very moment rejoicing over this one dear lost soul who had finally found Christ!

There is no limit to what God can do both in and through a medical professional who is willing to be sensitive and obedient to God’s leading as he carries out the duties of his profession. The medical profession affords wonderful opportunities to impact the lives of people for Jesus Christ. And yet, as I related in yesterday’s blog article, a recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that, while physicians are more likely to attend church services than those in the general population, they are less likely to consciously make efforts to apply their religious beliefs to other areas of life.(1) Certainly sharing one’s faith with one’s patients would fall into this category.

Yet, patients are often most ripe and open mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to discussing spiritual issues when they are experiencing physical illness. Most want to discuss spiritual issues with their physician. In fact, various studies show that between 63 and 77 percent of patients would like to discuss spiritual issues and matters of faith as a part of their medical care,(2-3) but only 10 to 20 percent of physicians actually do so.(4-5) In spite of this, 91 percent of physicians surveyed said their patients also seek help from a spiritual leader, such as a minister, in dealing with their health problems.(6)

Moreover, according to another source, roughly half of all patients would like their doctor to pray with them.(7) In a personal communication with another physician in our church recently, he relayed to me that he makes a point of praying with all of his patients prior to their scheduled surgical procedure. He pointed out that in all the years he has been doing this, only three patients have ever refused.

The bottom line in our discussion is just this: Christian medical professionals have a unique opportunity, and a ready audience for discussing spiritual issues with their patients. The opportunity to impact the lives of their patients for Jesus Christ is there. The question is…will we do it?

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
"Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"
Then I said, "Here am I! Send me.€"
(Isaiah 6:8)

(1) Curlin et al. "Religious Characteristics of US Physicians"€. J Gen Intern Med 2005; 20.
(2) King AP article April 3, 1996; based on USA Weekend magazine Easter issue.
(3) King DE, Bushwick B. Beliefs and attitudes of hospital inpatients about faith, healing and prayer. Journal of Family Practice 1994;39: 349-352.
(4) USA Today. Barbara Reynolds, May 3, 1996.
(5) Maugans TA, Wadland WC. Religion and family medicine: A survey of physicians and patients. Journal of Family Practice. 1991;32: 210-213.
(6) American Academy Family Physicians poll reported by AP 12/20/96.
(7) David Larson, MD, quoted in USA Today, p. 10A, Barbara Reynolds, May 3, 1996.