As I reflect on the second part of our core values and the fact is I realize that this is probably the most difficult value and the one that reaches into the core of what a person is. The character of a human is greatly influenced by the sin that we are. It is not the sins that we do, but we have a core sin nature that seeks out rebellion against God. It is this sin nature that drives us to do selfish things and to put ourselves above others and to do things our own way. This greatly affects our character if that is the mode by which we live by. However, as a Christian, one has other options and that is to ask God for His character, which is provided by the Holy Spirit. This character that represents God is available to all those who believe in God’s Son Jesus Christ. Once that happens, it is a lifetime transformation to be transformed into a person of good character to represent God better in this world by reaching out and allowing mercy to others. This character that I am speaking is based on self-sacrifice for the betterment of other people lives rather than your own. The ego or the sin nature in us is very strong and everybody desires to put themselves over other people. However, the character of God is that we will sacrifice ourselves for the betterment of others.
This character of self-sacrifice and helping others is what I am talking about in the core value of this practice. I have come to know that the work that God has put me into to represent Him to other people is based on His character. There is a lot of sacrifice that is going on in the work of helping people in pain.
Competent, Character, Compassion – Part One:Competency
July 14, 2009
As I reflect on the core values of our practice what comes to mind today is competency. This means that God has called me to and anybody who is desiring to advance His kingdom, to be the most competent person in the job that he is doing. It does not matter what the job is. To work in this world is to work alongside God in what He is doing. God has called people to work with Him in order to rule over His creation and this is a privilege and an honor to do that. Therefore, this calling is, while it is universal, it is also very personal. In order to since we are called to represent God in creation with the work that we do, it is important that this work is done with a high degree of competency. Since we are representing God who is all perfect in all things, we must be competent in the job that we are doing. This competency will not only represent God, but will also draw others to Him as they see you as a competent person. For example, if you have a heart problem I am certain you will not be looking for a Christian doctor, but you will be looking for the very best heart surgeon in the world. You want a competent doctor before you want a Christian doctor. Therefore, it is the competency of what you do, that will draw people into your sphere of influence to begin with. This is the first step in representing God to the world through the work that you do.
True Healing of Pain
July 7, 2009
There is more than just physical pain in what the patients have when they come to this office. Yes, they are in physical pain and that needs to be #1 in the way we treat our patients. We look for the sources of the pain, things that are driving the pain, and where they are in their degenerative issues concerning the joint and other structures. This is based on scientific evidence and baseline knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
But there are two other types of pains that a patient has when they come to this office. First is physical pain, then there is emotion pain, and finally there is spiritual pain.
Emotional pain comes from the effect that this physical pain has on people. People get stressed and the pain usually gets worse. When people have been abused in their past or when they are hurting from emotional issues such as financial disaster or death in the family of a loved one or certain circumstances that are tragic to people; this would drive their physical pain to be worse. There will also be something that needs to be addressed when we are treating her physical pain. If the emotional pain is severe enough, then the stress of that emotional pain will frustrate a treating doctor’s ability to treat the physical pain. Sometimes emotional pain is transient and will pass when the physical pain has been reduced. Because often times the physical pain alone creates emotional pain.
The third type of pain people have is spiritual pain. These are the people who have been disconnected from God and are lonely and alone. Often times, they are angry at God for the physical pain that they have or they are angry at God for the emotional pain that they have. Sometimes they do not even know who God is and do not even realize that there is a God who loves them and cares for them. This type of pain I explore very gingerly and compassionately. I do not push the subject. However, I do raise faith flags as I explain to people that there is empirical evidence that people who pray or who are being prayed over have a higher success rate and healing from cancer and from the pain of cancer. If the patient wants to discuss this spiritual pain further, I try to make myself available to address that pain. This is a very touchy subject and something that has to be approached with sensitivity and love. There are those who want nothing to do with this aspect of the pain and that must be respected.
So, therefore, all three types of pain need to be dealt with at some level by the person in pain and depending on the severity and the complexity of the pain, needs to be dealt with by the treating health care provider.
God Bless,
Dr. Ron Prehn
