This question has been heavy on my heart lately. How do I do this? How do I glorify God at work? Am I qualified to take on such a task?

Real talk… sometimes I get frustrated and negative at work. Sometimes I participate in gossip. Sometimes patients ask so much of me that I shake my head and roll my eyes as I walk out of the treatment room. Sometimes I complain. Sometimes I feel like I’m not a ‘good’ Christian because I’m overwhelmed and disheartened. The thing is, I know that I’m not alone. The healthcare culture is replete with cynicism and discouragement. It’s really difficult at times to be positive and joyful when so much is being asked of you.

So, how do we handle work place situations when we feel like this?

I think we need to start with something simple. Our purpose as Christians is to be the reflection of God. In most instances, people aren’t introduced to God through church or scripture. They see it through those of us that believe. They observe how we respond to difficult situations and stress. They watch what we post on social media. They listen to the words that we say, and in some instances, what we don’t say. The people we work with and every one of our patients have been placed in our lives for a reason. It’s no coincidence. We spend ample amounts of time with our coworkers and patients, and it’s our duty to reflect the love of God in a way that is approachable, respectful, and powerful.

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive, so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4: 5-6 (NLT)

“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5: 14-16 (NLT)

I’m seeing some themes to these scriptures. We are to be the light of the world, we are to be prepared to share our testimonies, and we are to be gentle and peaceful about the words we use. In the midst of a chaotic work environment, we have opportunities to show our hope and faith. It may be in the smallest of ways, like staying calm and kind in a situation that could cause stress and aggravation. Like showing joy instead of exasperation. Like having sweet patience with a person who is not feeling well and facing difficult medical news. Those of us in the healthcare field have an anointing. We have gifts given to us by the Father, and we have the authority to use those gifts to glorify Him.

We should be caring, authentic, and fair. These characteristics should be what every healthcare worker has, but we have the advantage of knowing the significance of the Father’s grace, which can translate into forgiveness and patience with others. When we lack peace and joy, we have the benefit of having a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and can petition Him for what we are lacking.

More than anything, the Father wants us to show love. He wants us to understand the magnitude of his love for us, and He wants it to shine through us. But listen, we are human. We will fail at displaying His wholeness. We are not perfect, and He would never expect us to be perfect. We need to ask for forgiveness when we fall short. He is so generous with His love and grace. He wants us to be positive and not fall into complaining and negativity, and He is always there to help us through those times where we have a decision to make.

So, how do we do this? We take it day by day. We get in the Word and pray to the Father. We build a relationship with Him. We listen to life and faith affirming podcasts, books, and music. We are gentle with our words, and we are calm in the chaos. We study and learn scripture. We spend time with Him. We are able to answer questions with authority and confidence. We share our testimony. We believe and understand that He is good.

Heavenly Father, thank you for changing me and renewing my mind everyday. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness when I fall short of Your Glory. I pray for courage, compassion, and gentleness as I share your Glory every single day. Thank you for your God breathed Word that I can lean into and rely on for strength. Please be with every one of us working with patients. You are working alongside us, and you hear our cries. Thank you Holy Spirit for residing in each of us, that we may receive truth and confidence from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.