House: "Needle in a Haystack" (Season 3, Episode 13)

In between diagnoses, Dr. Foreman and the patient in question (a young gypsy named Stevie) discuss their differing life-directions. They are purposeful as well as firm in their opposing priorities. They both acknowledge the dissimilar fruits that their two lives will produce.

Foreman's main goal is to become an accomplished doctor. Thus, his persistent dedication to diagnostic medicine develops his self-discipline and packs large amounts of information into his brain. However, as Stevie points out, Foreman has almost no time or energy left to develop human relationships.

Stevie wouldn't mind working toward a career in medicine, but the deciding factor is his family relationships. He could leave his familial network in favor of the success that Foreman espouses, but he would rather invest in loved ones.

These men are pursuing different kinds of success. So is there such a thing as being successful God's kingdom? What might such success look like?

Everyone who takes part in God's kingdom during their life on earth is advancing their education in Christ. The best way to get to know God is to obey Him all the time. It's worth it. This is the most beneficial education anyone could possible obtain.

Foreman understands that, to be a good doctor, he must become a good doctor. He realizes that memorizing a few facts won't get him there, he has to dedicate himself over years to transform himself into the doctor he wants to be. So also for Stevie, he resolves to do a lot more than call his folks every so often. He intends to be consistently present, living and spending his life with his loved ones.

Both these men are taking action, investing in their goals.

The same principle applies to becoming a child of God. It's a process, a gradual transformation that comes about as we deliberately spend time with Jesus Christ, following Him, obeying Him, enjoying Him. Christ Himself will demonstrate the indescribable richness of knowing Him as we depend on Him over the years, through every life-experience big or small, easy or difficult.

The more people take on Christ's burdens, the better off the world will need. We needs all the PhD's in godliness we can get.

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
--Jesus to his disciples (Matthew 13:44-46)


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I really enjoy your blog. Though I am agnostic I do love to look at religion and faith in mass media and/or the world daily. Have you ever seen the House episode 'House vs. God' or '97 Seconds'. I'd love to hear your thoughts on those two episodes.