Mike’z Muaings …
Pre-Approval Not Needed
This past week, my doctor prescribed a medication that the pharmacy said required “pre-approval” from my insurance. They suggested I call my doctor and have them submit the order. I did and learned they had done so and would call me when they received confirmation of the approval, which could take upwards of two weeks. So, I wait!
My first thought was, “There’s insurance practicing medicine without a license again,” but then I remembered there are regulations with almost everything, including medications. Due to increasing costs for medications and rising insurance premiums, both require restrictions to keep them under some reasonable control. Still, that “pre-approval” often bothers me.
Many businesses tout a “no pre-approval needed” or state plainly, “you are already approved,” to entice your interest in their product. We accept that reality and rarely display any semblance of objection. We tend to appreciate the freedom from the involvement of some “third-party authority.”
In parenting, we expect our children (and grandchildren!) to gain our approval before they accept various engagements of pleasure or commitment. When immature children act without permission, they tend to expect some form of punishment, and as parents, we seldom hesitate to administer the punishment to teach them respect for authority. We understand “pre-approval” has its place in our lives!
When it comes to serving God, there is never a need to ask, “Should I do this or that,” regarding doing a kindness to others. We already have His approval, even His commandment, to go about doing good! (1 John 3:16-18; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 5:44). Yet, there remain those who feel obligated to ask, “Should I?” as if they seek some praise for doing what God has commanded and authorized in the first place! I muse about the true meaning of “pre-approval” and, therefore, knowing God’s directive is toward me as His child, I need only to do His will because I know He cares for me!