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Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan
(Luke 10:25-37). This story began with a question about eternal
life. In responding, Jesus acknowledged our responsibility to God
and others. He then told the parable to explain “who is our
neighbor,” identifying especially those who are in need.
Which character in this story do you think is most representative of
doctors in our society?
A few (fortunately very few) of our colleagues may be like the
robbers: God forbid! Others, when going through difficult times,
are like the one beaten and left for dead. Though each of us would
prefer to be seen as the Good Samaritan, sadly and too often, we respond
like the priest or Levite -- walking down the other side of the road to
avoid the situation. While any of these characters might represent
us, there is another character in the story that more commonly reflects
most of us in our professional lives - the innkeeper.
After the Good Samaritan provided emergency services, it was the
innkeeper who cared for the man until his wounds were healed. We know
nothing about the innkeeper’s motivation, but we do know that he
was given two silver coins for his work (enough to care for the man for
a month) and promised more if it was needed. This scenario is fairly
representative of the professional lives of most doctors in our culture.
We care for those in need and receive compensation – usually
adequate compensation. We often complain about compensation, but there
are very few of us who are destitute.
What would the innkeeper have done if he had been offered only one
silver coin, or perhaps none? What if the Samaritan’s purse had
been empty when he brought the traveler to the inn? Would the innkeeper
still have helped with the care of this needy man? We don’t
know. What would you have done if you were the innkeeper? More to the
point, what are you currently doing in your practice to help the needy,
especially those without resources?
For the past few years CMDA has been encouraging doctors to provide
services to the poor to honor God’s heart for the broken and
oppressed. We called it “The Four Percent Solution,” asking
doctors to commit 4% of your time, talent, or treasure to the care of
the underserved. Many have accepted the challenge. Some have committed
far more.
But now, going forward at CMDA, we wish to move away from formulas
and focus more on our identity and obligation as children of God. As
physicians and dentists, we are the innkeepers for the sick and wounded
of the world. We ask you to consider how many coins are necessary for
you to care for those in need. Each of us needs to open our hearts to
the underserved and be certain that we apply policies and give care in a
way that reflects God’s heart for the poor.
So we ask you, please consider ways to intentionally care for those
in need. Perhaps you can increase the number of uninsured patients
that you see in your practice, or volunteer at a healthcare clinic for
the poor, or help establish policies with your local hospitals or
government bodies that honor God’s heart for the poor.
Become an innkeeper who is willing to provide care to the needy even
when there are no silver coins. In doing so, you will share the
grace and mercy you have received from Christ; you will reflect
God’s love; and you will hear the words of Christ, “whatever
you did for the least of these, you did for me.” (Matthew
25:45).
If you are committed to caring for the poor in your practices in an
intentional way, please let us know your plan. Contact us at ccm@cmda.org.
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