5 Questions for Freddie Pimm

1. You’re a doctor. How have you seen faith transform people’s lives, especially in times of suffering?

Some of the deepest transformations I've seen have been outside of my work as a doctor. In my own life, it's as I've suffered and struggled that my faith has perhaps grown deepest. When you're at your lowest and you feel completely broken by circumstances, you have to make a choice: are you going to let this situation pull you away from God or push you towards him. In those times, when I've chosen to use those circumstances to push me towards God, I've felt so strengthened and encouraged by his presence. He has carried me through difficulty, empowered me and given me the courage to persevere - in ways I don't think I would have been able to if not for him. And it's as we rely more on our faith that I think we see ourselves grow into the men and women that God made us to be. I certainly think that it's as

I've come through those circumstances and had my mind focused on God that I've learnt more of his love and felt that love shine through my being.
In the medical field, it can be hard to share faith explicitly and see that transformation so openly. It's morally and legally questionable whether I am allowed to tell patients about my faith, particularly when they are suffering and at their most vulnerable. That's not to say I can't try to pour God's love into their lives and act for peace, justice, mercy and hope in their situations - but I have to be a bit covert about it! I think every day I see patients who come alive, open up and grow as they come into contact with God's love (hopefully through me!) and find the strength to deal with their difficulties in that.

2. How has working in medicine strengthened your faith?

Working in medicine allows me a glimpse into people's lives at their most vulnerable. It gives me the privilege of standing with them in their times of need and distress. Seeing God working in those situations - perhaps without my patients realising - and allowing me to be a part of his working there is hugely encouraging for my faith.

Every day is an opportunity to serve in medicine, every consultation is a chance to share God's love (though often without words); being able to engage in that work each day grows and develops my faith.
And I also think the more I learn about the human body, the created world we live in, the mechanics of the universe and the more I understand of science and nature, the stronger my faith grows. Because of what I've learnt and what I understand, it is simply inconceivable to me that the universe is made the way it is without the actions of a Creator God.

3. How do you see people’s lives change when they make the decision to be less selfish?

It almost doesn't make sense, but I think the more we let go, the more satisfied we become. The less selfishly we act, the more we give away and the more we serve God, I think that it's in that that we find true satisfaction. So, I suppose there's the obvious changes in that people learn to love more and serve more, but then there's the less obvious things in that they grow into a place of satisfaction and peace with who they are in Christ.

And I think you do see that impacting their lives more broadly; as we grow in God's love within ourselves, it spills out into the world outside of ourselves. The environment around each of us grows to more closely resemble God's will as we grow up in his love and are empowered to act from its strength.

4. What do you hope people take from The Selfish Gospel?

I hope people come to understand the message of restoration that Jesus himself preached, and are encouraged and equipped to step into that restoration - both for themselves and for the world around them. 
I hope they learn more about the gospels, the context that Jesus was preaching in, I hope their faith is strengthened and perhaps they learn practical steps they can take to strengthen their faith on a day to day basis. But, more than anything, I hope and pray they feel invited to step into the restoration and hope that Jesus preached - and perhaps that they haven't experienced before, even as Christians.

5. What advice would you give your younger self?

So much! Get a haircut!? Hah! I used to have very long, curly hair like a surf-bum. I thought it looked cool but, looking back, perhaps I should have got it cut sooner rather than later.

Maybe more seriously, I suppose I would tell myself to trust in God. That he has a plan - even when nothing makes sense - and he will provide the opportunities and work all things for his good in his timing and at the right moment. I would tell myself to focus on knowing God better and less on trying to make things happen in my timing.