Daily Devotion

“Dr. James Laidlaw Maxwell (1836–1921) landed at Takao on May 28, 1865, and on June 16 rented a house on Kanxi Street in Taiwan-fu (Tainan), where he preached and practised medicine. Within a month, opposition from local Chinese physicians and a rumour that he took people's hearts and eyes to make medicine sparked a riot, and he was forced to leave. He moved to Qihou, under the protection of the British consulate, opened a chapel there on July 16, and continued his medical work. Both his sons later became doctors and carried on the missionary work.”

Wikipedia · "James Laidlaw Maxwell," Chinese Wikipedia

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly, and keep your spirit and soul and body blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who called you is faithful, and he will do it.

Reflection

The life of Dr. Maxwell, who both healed and preached, echoes Paul's teachings: faith is not merely about "tickets to heaven," but about God's comprehensive reshaping of our "spirit, soul, and body." We often divide our lives into "the spiritual church" and "the worldly body," but God values every ailment and struggle we face. Holistic sanctification means that, like Maxwell, we must not only pursue holiness in our spirit but also cherish our bodies and care for the material needs of others in our daily lives. We must firmly believe that the Lord who calls us is faithful; He not only cares about the redemption of our souls but will also preserve us in every detail of our lives until the day of His return.