While the Bible doesn’t address specific health care decisions or courses of action, it is clear in pointing out that our bodies are not only God’s creation but also temples of the Holy Spirit and therefore should be stewarded and cared for well. We know that Luke, one of the writers of the New Testament, was a physician, and seeking medical care for physical needs is encouraged throughout Scripture.
Many of the medical treatments mentioned in the Bible would have been more holistic in nature than what is available to us through modern science today. Still, the overall tone of Scripture encourages us to take good care of our bodies for optimal service to God and others. This seems to indicate that the Christian view on health care choices would be to take advantage of the best treatments that are available – alongside prayer – for healing from illness or injury.
One of the first steps in making health decisions is to thoroughly research the specific condition and all possible options for treatment. In this technological age, when we have access to legitimate medical databases at our fingertips, we can find trusted sources and compare multiple opinions. Just as we would become well-informed about any large expenditure we would make, we should do the same when considering medical procedures or courses of treatment.
The Medi-Share community itself can also be a valuable resource to glean knowledge from others’ experiences. The Medi-Share Facebook Group is an easy place to post questions and ask for provider recommendations. You can also schedule a conversation with a Medi-Share Care Management expert through your Member Dashboard to gain additional insight.
Another wise step is to get a second or even third opinion. While additional physician consultations may cost more upfront, they could ultimately save money if different doctors recommend less expensive or less invasive treatment options. Highly rated, in-network providers can be found through the Health Care Blue Book, which is also accessible via your Member Dashboard.
Once you’ve gathered as much information as possible, lay it all before God in prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:5 (ESV)
Whether the knowledge you’ve gained already has you leaning in a certain direction or leaves you uncertain, ask God to guide your heart and mind toward the path He would have you choose.
We can also consult godly individuals in our lives and ask them to join us in prayer for clarity. Pastors, small group leaders, and trusted, spiritually mature Christian friends or family members can all be great sounding boards when weighing both the spiritual and physical considerations of your health care decision.
As we seek to trust God’s will in medical decisions, it might be helpful to examine our own attitudes or unbiblical thought patterns that could influence our choices. Many of us may consider good health a “God-given right,” and therefore feel angry or frustrated when faced with difficult health decisions. However, good health is as much a blessing from God as a large family or great wealth – not something with which everyone is gifted. We live in a fallen world and life is not always “fair.” Allowing resentment or entitlement to take root can hinder our ability to hear God clearly.
Contentment is also essential. Are we able to trust God and say, “Thy will be done,” even if the outcome feels daunting or unpleasant? We know from Scripture that the Apostle Paul struggled with an affliction that could have made him bitter toward God – his “thorn in the flesh” – yet he learned and taught how to be content in all circumstances: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:11b-13 (ESV)
Let us ensure that when we ask for God’s wisdom in health care decisions, we are prepared to follow through in obedience, seeking His will rather than our own.
For believers, faith should shape every area of life. When it comes to medical decisions, this means leaning on faith-based guidance and seeking resources that support Christian decision-making. These may include health care providers who share our faith, fellow Medi-Share members, pastors, or other spiritually mature mentors. Above all, we must pray for God’s wisdom and remain open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit - for it is His temple we are caring for, after all.