Wikipedia defines elective surgery as, “surgery that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency”.
As a nurse practitioner, I have some involvement with elective surgeries. I commonly find patients with gallstones and refer them to a surgeon. I also see patients monthly in preparation for bariatric surgery. I refer patients who desire breast reductions. I do history and physicals prior to joint surgeries, foot surgeries, and a host of others. This has made me think about what spiritual elective heart surgery is and what I need to do on myself with regard to avoiding some of the painful effects of it by giving my life and nursing career over to the hands of God.
What have I hidden in my heart? What selfish desires am I clinging onto? Am I allowing God full control of my life? Do I trust Him completely? If I hold onto these areas in my life, God will most likely have to do emergency surgery. That process could involve a major upset in my life. So, isn’t it easier to give those areas to Him now? Giving up destructive habits is a long and painful process. It is never easy. But through God’s strength (Phil 4:13) we can do the ‘preventative work’ and avoid going through elective heart surgery by realizing the full benefits in a relationship with God. We need to soak ourselves in God’s Word. We need to have an accountability partner to check up on us and keep us on the straight and narrow road. We need to spend time in prayer and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we need the advice and guidance of a biblical Christian counselor.
We need to be careful not to choose undergoing ‘ cosmetic surgery.’ This kind of surgery only makes us look better on the outside. We may fool others, but we are not fooling God. He looks into the heart of every man and knows our motives and intentions (I Samuel 16:7, Psalm 139:2). The Pharisees did cosmetic surgery all the time.
Jesus called them out on their hypocritical behaviors. (Matthew 23:27). God wants us above all, to please Him and his path for our life.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23, 24
This month of February is a perfect time to look at your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what changes need to be made in our life and in your career. I am asking God what it means to love Him more: more with my heart, my entire mind, all my soul, and all my strength. Will you join me, join all of us at N4N in this quest?
Beth Hines RN MSN FNP
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