Let Your Light Shine

Series Introduction

    Nurses have a heart for learning. It grows out of a natural curiosity as we teach and care for others. It’s putting together the pieces of an assessment that begins with a patient’s story as we create a plan of care. It’s part of our commitment to maximize the outcomes for the students, individuals, families, and communities we serve. Our passion for learning is God-given and reflects his image as the Creator.

    As I pursued additional degrees in nursing, one of the greatest benefits I embraced was the knowledge that my thought process and mindset had been expanded. I didn’t look at myself or my practice in the same way as I had before. The exposure to new content, research, exploring my beliefs and thoughts, as well as the feedback of faculty and peers, changed me and reminded me of how much there is still to learn.

    As nurses, we have a plethora of opportunities to cultivate our learning through continuing education, degree completion, pursuing higher levels of education at the masters and doctoral level, or becoming certified in our areas of practice. There are also opportunities to grow within our nursing practice setting as members of committees and work groups where our voices are needed in areas such as ethics, quality and safety initiatives, policy development, and clinical practice. With each opportunity, we bring our faith as part of who we are into the work we do.

Let Your Light Shine.pdf

Hearing the Word

    Jesus stated in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV):

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”    

Responding to the Word

    It’s easy to take light for granted in the 21st century with our modern conveniences and our flip-of-the-switch access to power.

• What does it mean for us as followers of Jesus to be “the light of the world” (verse 14)?

• How can our actions reflect the light of God the Father?

• What truths from Scripture can you share about the reality of carrying the light of Jesus Christ in your own life? Investigate these verses as a start: Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; and Ephesians 2:10. 

Application

    As believers in Jesus, it is just as important to learn and to grow in our faith as it is in our professional development as nurses. We should not separate who we are. We are men and women who are wholly God’s: mind, body, and spirit. And we are called to serve him and others with all that we are.

    We’ll experience times personally and professionally when we feel lonely or isolated. Those feelings do not diminish the truth that the light of Jesus is a part of our lives. We can take heart and be strengthened knowing the light of who Jesus Christ is will always be present.

• Describe ways you’ve been able to share the light of Jesus Christ as a nurse.

• What comfort does it bring when the light you live as a follower of Jesus Christ is combined with the light of other believers? How can you connect more fully with other believers where you work?

• How can the light of Jesus Christ shine more brightly in your life? 

• What present barriers hinder the true reflection of the light of Jesus? What will you do about these barriers?

    As you continue to grow in your professional nursing life, pray that God, the Father of Lights (James 1:17), will also intensify his light in you and expresses his truth to those around you.

Author Biography