National Doctors' Day in the United States is March 30. Last year I missed it, and I suspect that you probably missed it too, since it's not widely publicized.

In the Christian Medical and Dental Association newsletter, Dr. David Stevens took advantage of the occasion to offer his colleagues some practical advice. He reminded them of the importance of thorough scrubbing before beginning a surgery or procedure. He noted that a few years ago a study found that many doctors aren't doing very well at washing up. The result has been a troubling increase in infections in hospitals.

Dr. Stevens, a believer in Christ, then presented a spiritual parallel and pointed out three procedures for maintaining moral purity.

1. Be sensitive to sin and deal with it immediately.

2. Focus on God's holiness and purity.

3. Make a strategy for dealing with sin—including confession and accountability.

The doctor closed his article by quoting James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." That's a great challenge for all of us—doctors or not!  —DCE  — David C. Egner