By Linda W. Flower, MD

"Is Jesus a part of your DNA?"

This challenging question came to our group at the close of a recent Bible Study Episode I'm attending with my husband.

"Whoa," I thought, "That's a pretty deep question."

For Christ to be so much a part of me, that His Spirit would penetrate into my DNA...that's what I want. So I thought about what the letters "DNA" might mean in a spiritual context. I came up with: Determined Natural Affection. In other words, I want to be determined to make my life in Christ the natural outflow of all that I am and express. Paul said it like this: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, NIV 2011).

For some Christians living in other parts of the world, the challenges of living a Christian life go far beyond what most of us can imagine. To see the missionary doctor returning from Africa, having risked his own life to care for patients with the Ebola virus, now suffering from that same infection, that's the kind of courage in Christ I want and need. To see Christians fleeing for their lives and some giving their lives for their faith in Christ on a daily basis in Africa and the Middle East, that's the kind of DNA I want!

As we live out our lives before our families, friends and patients, we all want the character and loving grace of Christ to naturally emanate from our being. This can only be accomplished in community with other Christians. The fellowship that we share with other Christians, especially with our medical and dental colleagues, helps us realize that the love of Christ is truly infectious! We want that love to "go viral" as we seek to share His love both in our local communities and around the world.

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:5-7, NIV 2011).

"Is Jesus a part of your DNA?"

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for our DNA that makes us human. To think that Christ has shared our DNA is so amazing. Please help us as we seek to allow your Holy Spirit to penetrate deep into our own DNA that we will truly reflect your character and personality into the lives of others.
In our precious Savior's name,
Amen.