Develop Christian Teeth

A long time ago, I became a Christian. But sometimes I wonder how much of me really “took”! There are plenty of times, my stomach is reacting to my temper. Ulcer is the long range expectation if I let that continue. Again and again, my headaches cry out that my tensions are killing me. I am fearful. I am not dealing well with my business associates. I have taken the weight of the world on my own shoulders, without ever asking God to shoulder any of it. Who do I think I am? Superman?

And now, I have discovered that my teeth never got converted either. But it’s not really the teeth...it’s the juices and acidity arising out of my own stupidity. When I am angry, a recent dental authority said, “a stress related gum disease called necrotizing ulcerative gingivites (NUG for short)” allows bacteria to literally eat away my gums. L (Dr. John Wilde on Dental Fitness...Hancock County Journal Pilot, Feb. 10, 1993)

I’ve heard about people being so angry that they “grind their teeth.” This appears to be Biblically substantiated...and I know that I’ve “ground” mine now and then. Dentists are apparently having to repair broken and worn teeth from people who have this habit.

So where does that leave me? It would appear that I am a Christian, but not completely Christian. Looks like I’ve got a long way to go. It seems to have something to do with the head and the heart, and the stomach, and the very acid juices my un-Christian spirit produces. What is the answer?

This same dentist tells us there are only two requirements: learn to forgive, and learn to live in love. Strange...I thought I got sermons from preachers. Seems like a good dentist might have given me the best sermon I’ve heard for quite awhile.