It seems like I write a lot about commercials. Maybe it is because I used to sell advertising or maybe because I watch too much television! I have always been intrigued by the commercials about medications. These commercials always depict the perfect picture of happiness. You always see families on a picture-perfect picnic or an older couple walking hand in hand on the beach. The basic premise is that if you take their product that your quality of life will be so much better regardless, and you will live longer with less pain. Then at the tail end of the commercial the “voice over guy” comes on speaking really fast revealing that “taking this product may cause certain side effects.” I love the list of side effects. It usually goes something like this: “using this product may cause diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, loss of sleep, kidney failure and maybe loss of life! Please consult your physician and stop taking this product immediately if you experience any of these symptoms!”
Loss of life? How are you going to be able to contact your physician if you experience that symptom? I am not saying that we should not trust our physicians or these miracle medications but with those potential side effects I am not willing to take the chance and why should we? We should always check with our physician first!
I understand the concepts that depicts happiness and quality of life in medical commercials. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
There are a lot of people who seek fulfillment and put their trust or take chances on these “as seen on tv” miracle drugs. I can honestly tell you that there is one physician who has a 100% guarantee and the only side effects are happiness and eternal life. His name is Jesus Christ and He is the Great Physician! Time and time again He has healed countless people of diseases, afflictions and most importantly of their sinful addictions and conditions!
1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.”
There is a lot of anxiety with Covid 19 and rightfully so. It touched my household personally. So, folks please take it seriously and exercise precaution by masking up and social distancing but not spiritual distancing. Do not live in fear, live in faith knowing that God already has this pandemic in hand. The author of peace will take away our anxiety!
John 14:27 assures us “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do, I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him….”
Captain Jason Perdieu is corps officers of the Salvation Army of El Dorado.