The Crown

I don’t like dentists. Sorry friends, but who does? Recently, I discovered a problem that required an exam by a local dentist here.  I’ve always been blessed with good teeth. In fact, I have escaped most of my adult life with nothing but an occasional cleaning. Still, I was anxious about it.

At my examination, the dentist told me that I have a problem with one of my teeth and probably a few more! What?  Evidently, the old childhood fillings are no longer adequately protecting my teeth. Some of them were cracked, chipped, or worn down and over time have allowed decay to creep in. I could see this in the x-rays. But I still couldn’t believe it.  I thought once you had a filling, it was one and done. Apparently not. He informed me that I may need at least one crown and possibly a root canal as well.  A crown!? A root canal?? How is that possible?  I’m not in any pain! I’ve always had good teeth! I use a sonic toothbrush! I floss! I use Listerine! Is he trying to rip me off?  These thoughts raced through my mind as he spoke and I tried not to hyperventilate.

He explained to me that decay can happen slowly over time. You may not experience any pain at all, until you do! He was trying to help me avoid pain and additional problems by taking care of it now, before it got any worse.  

The same thing can happen in our spiritual health.  Sin creeps in slowly over time. Chips or cracks in our faith have allowed little compromises here or there. Perhaps over time we have become worn down and are no longer as diligent in reading the Word, going to church, or praying.  We think we are still doing okay.  We’re not experiencing any crisis or pain of any sort from our behavior. But that’s the problem, we don’t see it in ourselves. We don’t see the decay that has begun to spread until we are in pain.  Then, we wake up one morning and wonder how we got there.  

I think the key is regular checkups.  David had it right when he prayed:  “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV  Our Father loves us. There’s no need to be afraid.  Let Him x-ray our hearts and reveal to us areas of our life that need His touch, His cleansing.

Well after discussion, I agreed to the treatment plan that the dentist prescribed for me.  I will get my crown this week.  I told him, “Oh well, at least now I can truly feel like a queen cuz I’ve been crowned!”  I’m not sure he got my humor.  But one thing I do know, someday…

“And when the Chief Shepherd [Jesus] appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 

1 Peter 5:4 NIV

I can’t wait!