The Preacher’s Oath
Hippocrates is known by many as the father of medicine in Western culture. As one who believed in moral conduct, he either wrote or at least influenced the formation of the Hippocratic Oath. This 5th century document, written originally in Ionic Greek, has for centuries stood as the archetype by which physicians measure themselves with regard to ethical standards of practice. Though it has been updated and modernized in many ways, versions of the oath are still found to be useful in the field of medicine today. Nearly every graduate of every medical school is expected to sign an oath of conduct that includes the promise to respect human life and acknowledge the inherent value of every individual.
If it is considered important to have a code of conduct when given the responsibility of health care for the human body, it seems to make sense that it would be even more necessary to have a standard of morality regarding the care of the human soul. If Preachers were to have their own official oath – a written document to be signed and followed, what would be included? Here is my own suggestion. Perhaps you can add a few thoughts that deserve inclusion:
“As a preacher of the gospel, according to the work to which I have been appointed by God through His word, I promise that I will observe and keep this underwritten oath, to the utmost of my power and judgment.
I will reverence my Master who has created me, died for me, and by His grace saved me, and who has given me the truth of His holy written word by the power and revelation of the Holy Spirit.
At all times I will put my Lord Jesus Christ and His church first. I will be willing to suffer persecution, punishment, and even death for the cause of Christ and His kingdom. I will protect the sanctity, unity, and identity of the one church that Jesus built at all cost.
I will impart to others the complete teachings of the Scriptures, which I accept in total as the inerrant and sacred breath of God. I will hold nothing back, but in truth and in love I will publicly proclaim God’s message, having rightly divided it, and having studied for my own understanding before attempting to help others understand. I will in my preaching be innocent of the blood of all men.
With regard to helping the sin-sick souls of the earth, I will devise and order for them the best spiritual diet, according to my judgment and means; and I will take care that they suffer no hurt or damage.
Nor shall any man’s entreaty prevail upon me to administer a spiritual poison to anyone; neither will I counsel any man to do so. Moreover, I will give no sort of doctrine to any person in order to deceive or hurt or injure or cause the loss of spiritual life.
Further, I will comport myself and use my knowledge in a godly manner.
I will not judge the soul of any man, but I will leave the judgment to the eternal and heavenly God.
Whatsoever house or place of care I may enter, my visit shall be for the convenience and advantage of the host; and I will willingly refrain from doing any wrong, or ever engaging in any relationship or activity that might lead to some temporal benefit for myself, whatever may be the rank of those who it may be my duty to help, without regard to race, gender, or social standing.
Whatever, in the course of my practice, I may see or hear (even when not invited), whatever I may happen to obtain knowledge of, if it be not proper to repeat it, I will keep sacred and secret within my own breast.
May no man seek to glorify me, and even if such may occur, may I denounce such and openly and humbly attribute any and all glory to God. May I never boast in anything except in the cross of Christ.
I will daily, by the grace of God, rise to serve my Master first, help others second, and keep myself last, even to the going down of the sun. For me to live each day will be Christ, and to die will be gain.
If I faithfully observe this oath, may I thrive and prosper in my fortune and profession, and live in the estimation of posterity; or on breach thereof, may the reverse be my fate!”
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.” – 2 Corinthians 4:5
——
To Receive Every Post via Email for Free, Click Here
Photo background credit: Geraint Rowland on Creative Commons
