"They Live, Breathe, and Eat Pathology!" (Hebrews 5:12)

During my pathology residency, one of my closest friends and colleagues had returned from a national pathology conference held in the mid-west. There was a visceral change in his attitude as he pulled me aside, anxious to update me with his experience.

“Paul!” he gushed. “You won't believe these other residents! They live, breathe, and eat pathology!”

“What do you mean?” I stammered.

“All they talk about is the latest journal articles, their research papers, and their future fellowship plans.They are 1000% committed to pathology!  We have to be like them!”

I was disturbed by my friend’s revelation. I thought I was diligent about my training but my friend clearly had an epiphany. Within a few months, I experienced, first hand, this passion and commitment that other pathology residents lived when I also attended a national conference. I returned, dejected over my sense of inadequacy and tepid enthusiasm and was inspired to improve. It was a wake up call and fortunately, it happened early in my training so that I could change my habits and re-dedicate my efforts.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

Hebrews 5:12 (NKJV)

When I attended my first Christian conference, I experienced a similar sense of inadequacy. I had the privilege of meeting brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ from all over the country. Many were on fire for Jesus. They truly lived, breathed, and ate the Word of God! I wanted to do the same but I was still being weaned on milk when I should have been desiring sold food.

I thought my Christian walk was strong but I was deluding myself because I was not seeking active fellowship with mature Christians nor was I spending quality time in God’s Word and prayer. Like my pathology training, my attitude changed and with time, God led me to a Bible believing church with mature Christians who faithfully mentored me.

I desire solid food but not to compare myself to other believers, but rather, to seek a closer relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

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