Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday I asked you to think about your job, what kind of work do you do? I am not intent on comparing your work to mine but mine is what the Lord has given me to do, it is my calling. In Colossians 1:10 the apostle Paul wrote to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please him in all that you do, bearing fruit in good works. What are good works?
The bringing up (not “dragging” up!) of children, lodging (spiritual) strangers, washing the saints’ feet (ministering to their temporal comforts), and relieving the afflicted (1Ti 5:10) are spoken of as “good works.” (Profiting from the Word, A. W. Pink)
Nursing is a good work and should be understood by the Christian nurse as a good work that we do. The Christian nurse should have a reputation for good works: showing hospitality to strangers, washing and bathing others, assisting those in distress and being devoted. (1 Ti 1:10) The Christian nurse should not preach oneself but Christ Jesus as Lord, and oneself the patient’s servant for the glory of God in Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:5)
Nursing, like all true works are good when the job that one does honors God, exalts Jesus Christ and seeks the best for one’s neighbor. So, whether nursing or any other job, why do you do it? Is it for covetousness that you work, seeking fame and fortune? Or is it to honor God, exalt Jesus Christ and seek the best for one’s neighbor that you work? Remember that we do not work for salvation but we work for the glory of God in Jesus Christ; for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. (Eph 2:10)
Michael Peek, BSN, RN, MTS
