An Interior Decorator or Advertising Executive? (Colossians 4:14)

A few years ago, we began a new men’s Bible study. As an ice-breaker we were asked the question, “What did you want to be when you were a child and what do you do now?” Our responses were lively and interesting because none of our choices as a child matched what we did as an adult, or so it seemed.

When I was younger, I wanted to be an interior decorator or an advertising executive. Today, I am a physician specialist, a dermatopathologist. And although there is no superficial resemblance between the occupations, I believe there is a much more subtle synergy on display. As a dermatopathologist, I must review hundreds of microscope slides a day, searching for a specific pattern to render a diagnosis. This is a skill set that would have served me well as an interior decorator. And as a physician in private practice, I must be proactive to advertise my services to other physicians and to the public. It appears that my current occupation is not too dissimilar from what I wanted to be when I was a child!

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Colossians 4:14

Paul reminds us that one of his closest companions during his missionary journeys was Luke, the beloved physician. Although there is no record in the Bible of Luke using his training to specifically help others, his skills were on display in another impressive manner. Luke’s Gospel is the most detailed oriented about the the Virgin birth and of Jesus’ childhood. Luke records fine medical details about the people coming to Jesus to be healed, details that are not found in any other Gospel. Only Luke records the physical agony of the great drops of sweat, like blood, coming from the head of Jesus as he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Holy Spirit utilized Luke’s medical training to write a Gospel as detailed as any medical history a contemporary physician may take of a patient.

God can use any and all of our talents to serve Him. And sometimes, it may be in completely unexpected occupations or roles. God used my interests and aptitude from childhood to mold me into who I am today. And for the future? God is still writing that chapter of my life. But there will always be parts of my past interests and personality inserted into anything God wants me to do.

What a glorious God we serve!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.