# PonderIt

## Saturday, March 10, 2007

### The Great Physician

Christ is the Great Physician. I've been reminded of this in my recent dealings with wonderful doctors who have helped my little boy. These doctors are able to assist in ways that I cannot, no matter how well intentioned I may be. In like manner, there are ways that the Savior will be able to help my boy that I cannot, as much as I want to. There are at least three traits that a modern day physician has that make him a good symbol for the Savior.

- Knowledge to act. A doctor has training that far exceeds my own. I've tried to become knowledgeable about my son's medical condition so that I can speak intelligently to the doctors, but they still far surpass me in skill and experience. If I were to invest the years of training under the tutelage of wise mentors, I too could become as knowledgeable as the doctors are, but for now I must rely on their help.
- Power to act. Even armed with knowledge, a doctor without a hospital can only do so much. MRI scanners, defibrillators, IV needles, sterile supplies. These are the things that act as a force multiplier for the physicians knowledge. Because a physician works within a larger framework, they have power to act that is beyond the power available to any single individual. How effective could a doctor be without a dedicated team of competent nurses?
- Empathy. Knowledge and power are useful only because a doctor has a desire to help. They generally practice because they want to lift up the aching and the weary.

The truly rewarding exercise has been to apply the points above to the Savior. As I did so, I encountered a few unexpected thoughts--particularly around point 2. I'd prefer to leave this as an opportunity for you to ponder it. There may be other points of parallel that can be drawn as well, and I welcome your insights.

#### 3 Comments:

- Great post! I really liked the parallels!

  By Author: Drew, at 3/15/2007 12:14 PM

- Thanks for the kind words. I also checked out your blog and enjoyed the post you had up there about Harley.

  By Bradley, at 3/15/2007 1:31 PM

- I too, have been grateful for great physicians who have helped many of my family members. I think the three traits you apply to doctors can be applied to any of us as we help others to heal.
  Our "knowledge to act" could be anything from knowledge in a certain area to life experience. Our "power to act" could be anything from having extra money to give to having extra time, or just being in the right place a the right time. "Empathy"? This is important in any healing experience, and the Holy Spirit helps us to foster a loving empathy for others.
  I've seen doctors with these traits. I've seen Bishops with these traits. I've seen neighbors with these traits. And co-workers. Our ailments range from physical, to mental, to spiritual, to emotional. . .
  I really like your analogy and your insight. Thanks.

  By Aaron, at 4/06/2007 6:45 PM

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