Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

 

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

     The pituitary gland in the brain controls the thyroid output.  The thyroid is a gland in the base of our necks.  It secrets hormones responsible for a wide range of bodily activities from hair growth to temperature control.  By measuring the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) put out by the pituitary, we can gage the thyroid’s secretion.  In other words, the pituitary is the gas pedal.  If the pedal is floored, we know the thyroid (engine) is lagging behind.

     I take Synthroid.  It is a synthetic hormone used to supplement my underactive thyroid.  Due to past medicine use, I have hypothyroidism.  Hence, my engine is sluggish and needs a little “umph.”  We measure TSH levels every six months to verify the pituitary to thyroid thing is working.

     What is the metaphor?  How can I link this to some Christian understanding?

1Corithians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

     God has put in us a will to live.  He has also given us a desire to flee pain.  When coupled together, we find ourselves wanting to exist pain free.  Typically, we will by nature do whatever it takes to pursue this.  Hence, big medical companies capitalize – literally – on our quest.  We will chemically tweak our bodies to the desired outcome.

     Then we run into a greater cause.  We are not our own.  As stewards of our own bodies, we are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance.  A horrendous amount of time and effort goes into keeping these machines running.  Eating, sleeping, bathing, etc.  And we do so to forgo immediate and long term consequences.  Like changing the oil to preserve the life of the engine.

     So I faithfully take the medicine.  To optimize my output in efficiency, I want my engine to respond as I take the curves of life.  Trials may come to challenge my vehicles’ ability to climb the grade.  Satan may be on the other side to tempt me to speed.  Under doctor’s care, we find a comfortable pace.   

 

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