Brian-Schwartz

Brian Schwartz, MD

Dr. Brian Schwartz is an Interventional and Structural Heart Cardiologist and serves as Medical Director of the Heart and Vascular Service Line at Kettering Health in Dayton, Ohio.

Having been personally touched by the power of the gospel, Dr. Schwartz longed to make his medical work a healing ministry. His association with AMEN has helped him integrate prayer and Christian spirituality into his practice in a more intentional and natural way.

Dr. Schwartz served as AMEN president for 5 years and editor of the Medical Evangelist (AMEN’s Journal) for 10 years.

He and his wife, Lyndi, also a physician, have a passion for the gospel and ministry.

Feeding Upon Christ

in Spring 2016   |
Published on 09/19/2016   |
3 min | |>>

First responders are taught that before jumping into a rescue situation they should first survey the scene and be certain it is safe for the rescuers. They cannot effectively save others if they take undo risk to themselves. In extreme cases it may be necessary to jeopardize their own lives, but in general it is best to determine the best rescue method to meet the goal while keeping rescuers and others safe.

As physicians and dentists it is easy to justify forgoing our own needs to be of service to others. Frequently the needs are so great and we are rewarded for selfsacrifice. It is often expected by society (and perhaps even our own expectations) that we will forgo meals, sleep, exercise, our own spiritual quiet time, and the needs of our families in order to meet some pressing need. Although this may be necessary on occasion, without proper balance this is not sustainable and may lead to spiritual and physical burnout, preventable disease, and problems with our home life. Seeking proper balance is crucial in order to be able to serve and minister effectively for the long haul.
“Of all men the physician should, as far as possible, take regular hours for rest. This will give him power of endurance to bear the taxing burdens of his work. In his busy life the physician will find that the searching of the Scriptures and earnest prayer will give vigor of mind and stability of character.” — Manuscript 53, 1907
No one size fits all, as some may be able to handle harder schedules than others. Each of us has a breaking point where we become tired, irritable, and frustrated. When we reach that point medical ministry ceases to be ministry and becomes drudgery.
“There are those who can successfully carry a certain amount of work, but who become over wearied, fractious, and impatient when there is crowded upon them a larger amount of work than they have physical or mental strength to perform. They lose the love of God out of the heart, and then they lose courage and faith, and the blessing of God is not with them. There are physicians who have lost their spiritual power because they have done double the work that they ought to have done. When men are asked or tempted to take more work than they can do, let them say firmly, I cannot consent to do this. I cannot safely do more than I am doing.” — Manuscript 44, 1903

“The more urgent his duties and the greater his responsibilities, the greater the physician’s need of divine power. Time must be redeemed from things temporal, for meditation upon things eternal. He must resist an encroaching world, which would so press upon him as to separate him from the Source of strength. Above all other men should he, by prayer and the study of the Scriptures, place himself under the protecting shield of God. He is to live in hourly contact and conscious communion with the principles of truth, righteousness, and mercy that reveal God’s attributes within the soul.” MH 136
By taking the time each day to feast on God’s word we will be far more equipped to deal with the inevitable trials and difficulties that are sure to arise. We should consciously take time to reflect on whether our professional lives are in balance with the rest of our life so we can effectively minister for Him in ALL facets of our lives.
“And He saith unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” – Mark 6:31 (ASV)

Table of Contents | >>