Audience of One

One of the things I've been learning recently is that it doesn't matter whether or not anyone thanks you for doing a good job. A lot of times nurses, and even nursing students, can feel unappreciated, which is understandable since many of the things we do for our patients go unnoticed, but that doesn't mean we should be discouraged or ever stop giving our best.

This morning I was reading in Psalm 40 how the Lord does not delight in sacrifices or offerings but rather in a heart that delights to do His will (vv. 6-8). The offerings and sacrifices are, in reality, outward manifestations of a heart that loves to be obedient to the Lord. In other words, God is after a heart that loves Him. This love for God should be the motivation of the good things we do for our patients, not a desire to be noticed or recognized.

"Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:22-24). 

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free" (Ephesians 6:5-8).