Hospital Doldrums

“All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” Phil 4:22

In his letter to the Philippian church, the apostle Paul referred to the ‘ saints who belong to Caesar’s household’. Who are they and why did Paul mention them? Possibly they were in civil service or government administration.

Caesar’s household was a place of struggle, jealousy, pride and intrigue, of lusts of the flesh and of lust for power. Idolatory was rife and ungodliness was the rule of the day. Can there be saintliness in the midst of godlessness?

Jesus disciples lived in Caesar’s household but their spirits belonged to the household of faith. They displayed the righteousness of God in the midst of wickedness and unrighteousness.

Is your work place similar to that in Caesar’s palace? Do you encounter tensions in relationships, gossips, back stabbing? Have you been by-passed for promotion despite doing your very best? Do you face bosses and colleagues who feel threatened, insecure and immature? Perhaps your working environment is fast-paced, over-driven, demanding, performance orientated and KPI –obsessed. Add to this check list is the daily burden of patient care. Patient’s expectations, non-compliance or sudden demise weigh heavy on your heart. There is more. Don’t forget that teaching and mentoring of students may be a bane or joy to some.

Feel like throwing in the towel? Recently, my cardio-thoracic colleague spoke of a fellow doctor who became disillusioned and bitter about the ‘system’ that is slow to change for the better. The fellow doctor gave up and left the hospital. Yes, some days can be very stressful and filled with an endless cycle of fire-fighting problems that adversely affect our emotional health. Faced with such hostility, anyone can cave in to the temptation to sin.

If this describes you, be of good cheer and courage. The Lord has placed you and I in the network of grace where we, who love Jesus, can be interconnected and pray for each other. Isn’t that wonderful- a work of the Holy Spirit touching someone’s spirit to pray for you.

Our Lord Jesus prayed that His disciples be not taken out of the world but rather be kept from the evil one. He said “As You sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” (John 17: 15,18). He knew His disciples would have to face the inevitable reality of the clash of 2 worlds as they shine brightly in darkness. The world may speak well of your integrity and excellent spirit but will ultimately reject our heavenly Father we bow to. Surely our Lord Jesus is not indifferent or uncaring as our enemy would like us to believe. He knows everything and is sovereign. He allows trials as a means of humbling His servants (Heb 2:10) and through them develop a dependence fully on Him. His grace is more than sufficient and may His glory be displayed in and through us. ( 2 Cor 3:18).

In good or bad circumstances, sadness or laughter, health or illness, may we persevere and press on to finish well. We bear with joy, the priceless treasure found only in Him. Let every manifestation of the excellence of power be of God and not of us. (2 Corinthians 4:7). Then the world can see Him and be drawn to Him.

Dr Boey Mee Leng
23 May 2016