Mike’s Musings ….
Lessons Learned from a Bad Back
Since the summer of 1972, I’ve had a serious lower back problem caused by some strenuous construction work. Through the years, if I bend and lift too much, or turn the wrong way, or step the wrong way, my back “pops” and I have trouble standing or walking! It’s very painful, but I’ve learned to deal with it, and, in later years, have found at times I must sit to teach or preach rather than stand (which is my preferred posture when presenting God’s truth!) As many of you have witnessed, my back isn’t getting any stronger the older I get!
But I have learned a few lessons from this “thorn in the flesh.” First, it has humbled me (2 Corinthians 12:7). Oh, like anyone, I appreciate the empathy expressed by those who have similar ailments. Yet, there are so many who have problems much worse than mine, and they never complain! I knew a gospel preacher who was paralyzed from his neck down, and he preached fervently without complaint! There have been brethren whose pain was excruciating every minute of every day, but they “toughed it out” to attend services every time! They would tell me, “It hurts just as bad at home as it does here, so why not be here where I belong?” Their faithful examples humble all others who only “think” they can’t attend!
Second, it keeps me within my abilities! There was a time when I didn’t let heavy things stand in my way; I just moved them! Now, I need to use “grabbers” to pick things up from the floor. I used to walk with an even gait, and now often find it difficult to just walk. I’ve learned that what once were easy tasks are now impossible ones. This situation hasn’t altered my desire: it only limits my ability to fulfill the desire!
I muse on the similarities these lessons grant to the spiritual-minded. Often, Christians endeavor to do what needs to be done, because others don’t (or won’t) do what they should be doing. Therefore, the load gets heavier, as someone must carry that load. But too much is too much! We can and should “share the load” (Galatians 6:2). Also, even as we walk in the light, we occasionally need help with the gait, i.e., someone to lean on as we journey through the pathway of life. We might even need help picking up things we’ve dropped along the way and be grateful we can still do something of value. Bad back? Yes, but one that can still be of service to Christ who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13)