Friday, 10 May 2024
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” – Matthew 9:36 NIV
In medicine, there is a tissue that is referred to as the Greater Omentum (GO). Anatomically it is attached to the bottom of the stomach and it descends to the lower part of the abdomen. Before there was much known about it we realized that, during some infections or injuries to other organs, it would be found attached, and in some instances, wrapped around inflamed organs and tissues. We then later on discovered that when there is an infection or inflammation in the abdomen (e.g. appendicitis), the Greater Omentum, to protect the tissues involved it, wraps itself around these tissues to protect them from further injury. This is why some doctors refer to it as the, “policeman of the abdomen”. We then exploited its protective properties by using it to heal other organs. When a patient has a ruptured/ perforated ulcer, to correct the pathology, we often do what is called an Omental Patch, where a portion of the omentum is sutured onto the hole and this heals the perforated intestine.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV. Basically, what this scripture is trying to emphasize is that we ought to be like the GO in our dealing with brethren. Our priority must not only be our well-being but also the well-being of others. Like the GO when we see others hurt or in trouble we must inconvenience ourselves to make sure those that are suffering are taken care of. We need to embrace and shield them from anything that has the potential to harm or bring them pain. The question then is, how do I practically show concern or care for those who are in need? Like James said, I mustn’t hear the word and turn around and immediately forgot what I’ve just heard (James 1:22-25 NIV).
As a human being, when I hear a teaching like this, it’s natural for it to touch me but very easy to immediately forget about it when I leave church. So how do I make sure that I “police” the abdomen that’s around me? I’m a practical person, and I believe in having results that can be documented (lol). Maybe I’ll start small by choosing two people in the ministry that I’ll check up on in the month. Find out what they are going through and what their struggles and challenges are. Try to impact their lives in a small way and take it from there. Nothing might come out of it but at least James will be proud that I managed to look into the mirror.
“For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to GOD. And my GOD will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:16-29 NIV.
Our priority must not only be our well-being but also the well-being of others
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