By DARRYL WOOD / Guest Columnist

Who relishes a medical test? Some of them can be downright humiliating.

What’s worse than trekking around in a split-tail dress in unfamiliar territory? Everywhere you look, people are armed with menacing instruments. Advanced healthcare often comes in a cold, assembly-line environment.

Recently I encountered a “break the mold” kind of person at a medical appointment. The tech, Kim, greeted me with a bright smile. She explained every little detail of what was going to happen. She took care to protect my dignity as much as possible. As the test proceeded, Kim coached me through the whole process. She encouraged, “You can do it. Just a little more.” When she finished, Kim said, “You’re the best patient I’ve had all day.” I knew better. At that time of the morning, I was the first. But it still made me feel good.

After the procedure I asked, “How did you learn to do this so well?” She explained a few months earlier she underwent the same test for the first time.

“It allowed me to see things from the patient’s point of view,” Kim said. “I decided I would treat my patients like I wish I had been treated.”

Kim makes Bible sense. The New Testament contains numerous exhortations on how to behave toward other folks. One such command is ”Honor all people.” (1 Peter 2:17). Kim lives that.

In a world where lack of respect for people seems acceptable, remember this. Respect for others should be a way of life for Christians. God created them just as He created you. He made other folks no better or worse than you. Determine to deal with people like God has dealt with you.

And the next time you go for a medical test, pray that you’ll encounter a Kim. Better yet, be a Kim wherever you go.

The Rev. Darryl Wood is pastor of First Baptist Church of Vincent. You can reach him at dwood132@bellsouth.net.