The first batch of nurses was being recruited for a nursing college run by a mission hospital. It was not easy to get students. One girl who wanted to be trained was confronted by his uncle, though his parents wanted her to study. His uncle argued: “First, you are a girl. Second, why should you serve strangers? Third, why do you do a polluted job? Four, you bring shame to our family.” Having a strong faith, confident in her call, and well-versed in the bible she answered.
Love: Lord Jesus Christ has taught us: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:31) It means to care, share and serve your neighbor.
Serve: Lord demonstrated to us how to serve. He washed the feet of his disciples. (John 13:2-17) Service and not lordship is a Christian value. Serving the sick, suffering, infirm, and those in pain is a call for the medical profession.
Stranger: Showing love to strangers is the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Good Samaritan helped a stranger who was dying on Jericho Road. (Luke 10:25-37) By showing hospitality to strangers, people of God have served even angels. (Hebrews 13:2)
Dignity: No job is to be termed as lowly or menial or polluted in the Christian worldview. Those who do the so-called mean jobs are the ones who serve the essential needs of society. How can a city survive if the garbage is not removed? Strange is a culture that teaches one who throws garbage and spreads dirt as pure, and those who sweep, mop, and clean as unclean and untouchable.
Honor of God: It is a wrong notion that one who serves the poor or sick or dying brings shame to the prestige of the family. True honor comes from God. Lord Jesus Christ taught that one who serves Him will be honored by God the Father. (John 12:26)
Thousands of women who loved God dedicated themselves to serving fellow humans who were in distress, following the tradition of Florence Nightingale. Their service changed medical services in India and other countries.
Do I love the Lord to serve humanity?