Course 5:

Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

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Whole Person Care Program

Course 1

Understanding Health & Healing

Course 2

Motivation for Spirituality in Health Care

Course 3

Personal, Environmental, & Staff Preparation for Whole Person Care

Course 4

Strategies for Spiritual Care in a Health Care Setting

Course 5

Living & Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Resources

Course Resources

Course 5

Image to represent course 3 - puzzle piece

Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Course Outline

Identity in Christ
Called for a Purpose
Kingdom Mentality
Spiritual Warfare
Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Pursuing Your Calling Amid Life's Challenges

You can choose to view the different topics using the menu ☰ button.

We should not be health care professionals who happen to be Christians.

Identity in Christ graphic - a visualization with Christ's cross in the center of a fingerprint

We are to be Christians who serve as health care professionals.

Topic 1

Identity in Christ

Declarations of Our Identity in Christ

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

A Chosen People

God’s people, Christians, have been given a collective identity and purpose, as a chosen people.

“So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

(Gal. 3:26-29)

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In him we were also chosen.”

(Eph. 1:4-5)

The first declaration made in first Peter 2 is that "… you are a chosen people."
God's people, Christians, have been given a collective identity and purpose, as a chosen people.
Therefore, being chosen should not be a source of pride, but an opportunity for service.
Israel was chosen to bring Christ's redemptive purpose to the world.
Jesus told the disciples that He chose them and appointed them.

God chose His people from all nations. Hear what apostle Paul has to say to the Galatians: "So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

In Ephesians, we are reminded that "he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In him we were also chosen."

A Royal Priesthood: Role

Every Christian has been called “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God.”

(Rom. 15:16)

Pray for others
Minister to others
Primarily, encourage people to be reconciled to God

“…as though God were entreating through us…, be reconciled to God.”

(2 Cor. 5:20)

A Royal Priesthood: Heirs

By being adopted as God’s children and heirs,

We enter Jesus’s royal and priestly family.
(Phil. 2:9-11, Heb. 5:5-6)
We are royalty.

“…reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”

(Rom. 5:17)

A Holy Nation, Set Apart

As citizens of “a holy nation”, we…

Live with the constant awareness of being set apart for God’s purpose of reconciliation in an often-hostile world.
(1 Peter 2:8-10, John 17:14-15)
Reconcile and have our relationship with God restored through our repentance and His forgiveness. (2 Cor. 5:18)
Are set apart for a special purpose, like a reserved parking spot.

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Errors

Reduce holiness to what we do (eat, drink, other external acts)
Miss the deeper issue of having a heart conformed to the likeness of Christ
(Romans 8:29)
Make your personal spiritual journey a goal in and of itself
Insulate yourself from the very people that God has called us to reach
Slide into isolationism
Fail to relate your holy citizenship to God's redemptive purpose in history

A Holy Nation, Set Apart:
Life in the World

Living out our faith in a hostile land, we are called to be…

Ambassadors.
Witnesses to the hostile world.
In the world, but not of the world. (John 17:16)
Holy, completely dedicated to the Lord.
(Phil. 2:5-8)

For more about Daniel and his friends, go to the "Resources" of this Whole Person Care Curriculum.

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Continuous Process

Holiness (being Christ-like)…

Must continually be pursued (sanctification).
Equips us to fulfill His divine purpose (proclaimers of the gospel).

“I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world (isolationism), but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world (separation), even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them (the process of being made holy); Thy word is truth. As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”

(John 17:15-18)

For more about work and the biblical perspective of work, go to the "Called for a Purpose" section of this course.

A People for God's Own Possession

“…a people for His own possession,…”

(1 Pet. 2:9)

When a person buys your car…

That person now has the right to use it as they wish.
You no longer have the right to use that car as you wish.

A People for God's Own Possession: Bought with a Price

Your life was bought with the precious blood of Christ.

Be ready to be used by God for His Kingdom purpose!

“You are not your own, for you have been bought with a price.”

(1 Cor. 6:19b-20a)

A People for God's Own Possession: Balance

A People for God's Own Possession: Lordship

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”

(Matt. 16:24-16)

Proclamation of the Excellencies of God

“To proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

(1 Pet. 2:9)

Proclamation of the Excellencies of God

Glorify God by…

Making disciples.
Bearing fruit.
Being a witness.
Doing good works that God prepared beforehand. (Eph. 2:10)
Giving an answer for the hope that you have within you.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

(Matt. 5:16)

Society says your identity is defined by what you do. God says your identity in Christ defines what you do. When we come to Christ, we are given a new identity: first Peter tells us we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession.
And our identity defines our mission: as Peter stated, "to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Rather than making ourselves look good, our job is to proclaim His excellencies.
To proclaim His excellencies means to glorify God by making known what great things He has done!

Your identity in Christ is the foundation for what you do, so look for opportunities to proclaim His excellencies. Through your position in health care, some ways you can glorify God are by:
• Making disciples.
• Bearing fruit.
• Being a witness.
• Doing good works that God prepared beforehand.
• and giving an answer for the hope that you have within you.

Identity in Christ:
Reflection

What opportunities do you have in your health care position to do Kingdom work?

Do you know a health care professional who exemplifies a life of faith lived out in the world but not as part of the world?

As you look back over the past week, how much of your time and energy was dispensed in activities that were intended to make yourself look good versus glorifying God?

Topic 2

Called for a Purpose

Work

As health care professionals, we often…

Become wrapped up in work.
Glorify work and its rewards.
Distort the human psyche.
Obscure the true meaning of work.
Become human "doings" rather than human "beings".
Become driven people.

Instead, we should function out of a clear sense of God's call.

Work: What it Should be

As health care professionals, we should…

Function out of a clear sense of God's call.
Examine the Scripture and find that God's love for us is clearly not based on our performance.

“But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

(Rom. 5:8)

Biblical Perspective of Work

In the book of Genesis,…

God was at work in creating the universe.
God created and designed us.
God continues to work to sustain all things.
(Col. 1:17, Heb. 1:3)
Adam and Eve worked in the garden. (Gen. 2:15)
Work in the garden was pure joy. (Ps. 8:5-9)
After the fall, work was described as painful toil. (Gen. 3:17-19)

Some people have the misconception that work is a part of the human experience as a result of the fall, that if humanity had never fallen, we would likewise never have had to work. Many also believe that work is merely the exertion of physical and mental energy to pay bills or meet obligations. This does not reflect biblical truth.

What does God's Word say about work? The book of Genesis begins with the description of God at work in creating the universe. When God created humans, He designed us for a relationship with Him and gave us dominion over the earth to work and care for His creation.

God's on-going work is to sustain and uphold all things. Colossians 1:17 says, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Hebrews 1:3 teaches that God not only created the universe but that He upholds and sustains it day by day, hour by hour. Hebrews 1:3 goes on to say that Christ, the Son of God, upholds the universe by His powerful word.

In the beginning, working in the garden, and the care and cultivation of the garden, were pure joy. After the fall, work changed from pure joy to often tedious labor.

Biblical Perspective of Work: Part of God's Design

Exerting physical and mental energy related to the talents that God has given us
Serving in God's Kingdom on earth
Bringing fulfillment and joy
Transforming every human pursuit—cultural, physical, social, and spiritual

Video:

Reflecting God Through Work

Reflecting God Through Work: Audience of One

God's people reflect Him through…

Practicing integrity.
Demonstrating compassion.
Being competent.

“Therefore, we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”

(2 Cor. 5:9)

Called to be Ambassadors of Christ

Ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20)…

Represent him in both word and action.
Proclaim the message of His Kingdom.
Live as a tangible, audio-visual, flesh and blood expression of God's love letter to the world.

“You are a letter of Christ... written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.”

(2 Cor. 3:3)

View the Workplace as a Ministry Post

Be a Christian who is called to be a health care professional doing Kingdom work…

In waiting rooms.
In clinics.
In hospitals.
At a patient's bedside.

Many Christians see their vocation as their primary calling, but this notion does not align with the Scriptures.
Seeing yourself primarily as a health care professional who happens to be a Christian is fundamentally and radically different from seeing yourself primarily as a Christian who is called and serves as a health care professional.
In light of that, God wants you to view your workplace as a ministry post—in waiting rooms, in clinics, in hospitals, and even at the patient's bedside.
The countless hours that you spend at work can be a huge platform to fulfill your primary calling to serve God.
Being a health care professional is not the end all and be all but a means for Kingdom work. This is an important distinction to make in your thinking because the practical implications are far reaching.

Potential is Not Reality

Many enter the health care profession intending to be part of God's Kingdom work but lost their way for various reasons.

As a result,…

Endless treadmill devoid of eternal significance.
Trapped in a gilded cage of materialism, humanism, and professionalism.
Kingdom impact as a group has been minimal at best.

Potential Should Be Reality

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”

(Gal. 5:1)

Do not allow our professional obligations and commitments hinder us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives
Be prepared to make adjustments so that we can be free to do His will

Is this really the way God intended for us to live?
Why does a group of Christian health care professionals with so much to offer accomplish so little for the cause of Christ? Perhaps one reason is because we are confused about the nature of the call of God.
The apostle Paul reminds us in first Corinthians 7:23, "You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men."
In Galatians 5:1, Paul says, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."
Remember that we are not our own and we are not to be slaves of men but bondservants of Christ.
We should not allow our professional obligations and commitments hinder us from fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. We put ourselves into servitude either by choice or by default; but it is never God's will for our lives.
But if our profession is merely a harvest vehicle, and we find that our practice and professional commitments are becoming a hindrance to fulfilling our calling, we must be prepared to make adjustments so that we can be free to do His will.

Called for a Purpose: Reflection

How can you leverage your health care position for God's Kingdom?

How can you make adjustments to your practice and professional commitments so that you can be free to do God's will?

Who are other health care professionals that you can work together with for God's Kingdom?

“Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

(Heb. 12:1b)

Topic 3

Kingdom Mentality

Living in Two Kingdoms

Our challenge is to live in the world but not be of the world. (John 17:14-15)
Satan is constantly trying to pull us away from our loyalty to the Kingdom of God.
The biblical Christian worldview includes understanding God's Kingdom and your role.
Your workforce may not have a biblical Christian worldview.

Worldview: Definition

Framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world

"Whether we realize it or not, all of us possess a worldview.

It influences how we perceive ourselves, how we relate to others, how we adjust to adversity, and what we understand to be our purpose.

Our worldview informs our personal, social, spiritual, and political lives.

Our worldview influences our values, our ethics, and our capacity for happiness.

It influences our understanding of where we came from and who we are; and shapes our identity.

Our worldview tells more about us perhaps than any other aspect of our personal history."

(Nicholi 2002, p. 7)

Worldview: Questions

For more about worldview, go to Course 2: Motivation for Spirituality in Health Care.

Origin

Where do I come from?

Morality

What is right and wrong?

Identity

Who am I?

Meaning

What is my purpose?

Destiny

Where am I going?

Kingdom Mentality:
Conflict

The Bible is clear:

Evil in this world comes from a spiritual realm. (Isa. 14:12)
Jesus experienced this battle with Satan.
(Matt. 4:1-11)
We need to acknowledge that we are in a spiritual war. (Eph. 6:10-20, 2 Cor. 10:3)

Kingdom Mentality: Confusion

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

(Col. 2:8)

Cultural philosophies and norms that can cause confusion:

Moral relativism
Secular humanism
Tolerance of evil
Dishonesty or deceitfulness
Sexuality
Materialism
Political ideologies

Colossians 2:8 says, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."

Confusion occurs when a non-biblical worldview is embraced or distracts us from the biblical worldview.

Ignorance of foundational biblical principles, such as those found in the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, can lead to following false religious doctrine.

In this world, we are constantly inundated with cultural philosophies and norms that can cause confusion of an accurate Kingdom mentality. What is not okay, now becomes okay.

Examples can be:
• Moral relativism
• Secular humanism
• Tolerance of evil
• Dishonesty or deceitfulness
• Sexuality
• Materialism
• Political ideologies

Kingdom Mentality: Spiritual Battle

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(Matt. 28:18-20)

Kingdom Mentality: Spiritual Battle

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(Matt. 28:18-20)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

(Eph. 6:10)

Meaning of "be strong":

To be strengthened or empowered
To take personal responsibility for being empowered in the Lord

Kingdom Mentality: Spiritual Battle

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

(Matt. 28:18-20)

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

(Eph. 6:10)

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

(Rom. 12:1-2)

For more details, see the "Spiritual Warfare: Defense" and "Spiritual Warfare: Offense" sections of this course.

There is an ongoing battle between God's Kingdom and the world. However, we learn in Matthew 28:18-20 that we can be equipped for the battle; Jesus states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
These verses demonstrate that God has provided victory over spiritual forces and invite us to call others out of spiritual darkness into His marvelous light.

Be strong in the Lord!
The apostle Paul transitions to spiritual warfare when he commands in Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Here he identifies both the need and the source for strength.
And "to be strong" means to be made strong or empowered. In Greek, the verb "be strong" is in the present tense, demonstrating a constant abiding need for strength as the battle rages on.
The same verb "be strong" implies "be made strong" and is also in the passive voice, indicating the strength is supplied from without. In this case it is the Lord and His strength that provide our protection and power against evil and rebellious forces that can easily overcome us.
It is also noteworthy that we are commanded to "be strong" meaning there is a personal responsibility required to utilize this divine might. It must be appropriated; it is there for the taking by those who see its necessity.
You could paraphrase this verse by saying "You must see to it that you continually let yourself be empowered in the Lord," which implies ongoing fellowship with Christ.

Paul beseeches Christians to "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Put on the armor of God!
Paul rehearses that which the child of God must put on, keep on, and rely on. The soldier of Christ must gird his waist with truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, have his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, take up the shield of faith, take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

For more details, see the "Spiritual Warfare: Defense" and "Spiritual Warfare: Offense" sections of this course.

Kingdom Mentality:
Reflection

How would you answer the worldview questions about origin, meaning, morality, destiny, and identity?

How does understanding the biblical Christian worldview help you as a health care professional?

How does understanding the Kingdom of God and your role in it help you as a health care professional?

What is your role in this Kingdom battle?

Topic 4

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare:
Rebellious Spiritual Beings

History of rebellious spiritual beings:

The Serpent in the Garden of Eden convinced Adam and Eve to rebel against Yahweh.
(Genesis 3)
Evil celestial beings work with evil human leaders. (Daniel 10:13)
At the time of Jesus, demons tempted, influenced, and even possessed humans.
Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan and engaged in spiritual warfare throughout His ministry.

Spiritual Warfare:
Battle with Spiritual Beings

At the cross, King Jesus defeated and disarmed Satan and demons but has allowed them to roam the earth until His second coming. (Col. 2:15)

Until Jesus returns, Christians will struggle against these forces (Eph. 6:12) in what is called spiritual warfare.

For more about spiritual beings, go to the "Resources" of this Whole Person Care Curriclum.

Spiritual Warfare:
What it is

Spiritual warfare involves…

Relying on Jesus who has defeated every enemy.
Casting out demons.
Protecting ourselves from the attacks of the enemy. (Eph. 6:10-20)
Using the authority of Jesus Christ to make disciples. (Matt. 28:18-20)
Remaining hopeful in Jesus's ultimate victory in a world that is often hopeless.

Instead of attempting to oppose Satan alone, we rely on Jesus who has defeated Satan through His death and resurrection.
Spiritual warfare may include casting out demons, but that is not where the battle is primarily fought.
Spiritual warfare is protecting ourselves from the attacks of the enemy. Defensively, we need to put on the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6.
It happens offensively when we use the authority of Jesus Christ to make disciples as described in Matthew 28.
As Jesus saves people, the borders of the Kingdom of God are extended, and the enemy loses ground.
We must remain hopeful in Jesus's ultimate victory in a world that is often hopeless.
Later, we will talk more about how to prepare for this battle. But first, let's take a brief self-inventory.

Spiritual Warfare:
Self-Inventory

Is there unrepentant sin in your life?
Is there a relationship you need to restore?
Are you disconnected from the family of God (e.g., church, prayer group, Bible study)?
Are you distracted from focusing on the things of God?

Consider these things before you decide if you are under spiritual attack.

Spiritual Warfare:
Self-Inventory

Impact in God's mission is at risk, which can lead to…

Spiritual fatigue and oppression
Inappropriate reactions.
Compromised relationships.
Negative effects on your role in God's mission.

Take heart. Jesus said, “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

(Matt. 16:18b)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to STAND against the schemes of the devil.…

Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND firm.

STAND therefore....

(Eph. 6:11, 13-14a)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense – Belt of Truth

Stand therefore, having fastened on the BELT OF TRUTH…

(Eph. 6:14b)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense – Breastplate of Righteousness

…and having put on the
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS…

(Eph. 6:14c)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense – Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

…as SHOES for your feet, having put on the readiness given by THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.

(Eph. 6:15)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense – Shield of Faith

In all circumstances take up the SHIELD OF FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one…

(Eph. 6:16)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense – Helmet of Salvation

…and take the HELMET OF SALVATION…

(Eph. 6:17a)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense – Sword of the Spirit

…and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God…

(Eph. 6:17b)

Spiritual Warfare: Defense and Offense - Prayer

…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all PRAYER and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

(Eph. 6:18-19)

Spiritual Warfare: Offense - GO

GO and make disciples.

(Matt. 28:18-20)

Spiritual Warfare:
Offense – Advancing the Kingdom

Obey God, our King, by…

Moving out into the world.
Inviting those who worship other gods or no god at all to come to Jesus and receive the joy of His salvation.
Focusing on our call to love God and love others as we share the Gospel in word and deed.

All of this is to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit.

For more details, see the "Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit" sections of this course.

Called for a Purpose: Reflection

How has this presentation impacted your understanding of spiritual warfare?

What is God saying to you?

What is your experience with spiritual warfare?

How have you dealt with spiritual warfare?

The “Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit” sections of this course will help with answering how to deal with spiritual warfare.

Topic 5

Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Video:

Living in Poverty

Why Not a Spirit-Filled Life?

Some Christians…

Do not know who the Holy Spirit is.
Know about the Holy Spirit but struggle to comprehend His power.
Are afraid of God or don't trust Him.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is God.

God is one being that exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, and there is only one God.
(Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19)
As a person, He has will, intellect, and emotion.

What Is the Role of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit's work is the presence of God in the world, especially in the lives of Christians.

He conforms us to the likeness of Christ.
He empowers, teaches, leads, directs, performs miracles, and convinces us of our need for God.

The Holy Spirit was...

Sent as the Helper, the Spirit of truth, to teach us and bear witness to Jesus. (John 14, 15, and 16)
First given to Christians at Pentecost and is with us now. (Acts 2)

For more about the work of the Holy Spirit, go to the "Resources" of this Whole Person Care Curriclum.

Where is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is in each individual Christian. Each Christian is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
(1 Cor. 3:16)
The moment that an individual personally trusts in Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in that person.
(1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16, and 12:13; Acts 2:38;
Eph. 1:13-14)
We receive the Holy Spirit as an act of faith.
(Rom. 5:5)

What Does it Mean to Be Spirit-Filled?

Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but not every Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5:16-18, 25)

The Holy Spirit dwells within each who trust in Christ, yet we are commanded to be filled.

“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

(Eph. 5:18)

Being Spirit-Filled – An Active Process!

Repeatedly being filled by the Holy Spirit
(Eph. 5:15-18; Act 13:52) means…

Allowing the Holy Spirit's influence to produce evidence of God's power, presence, and blessing in your life.
Willing to give up control of your life and YIELDING to the Holy Spirit.

Process of Being Spirit-Filled

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.”

(Jer. 17:5-6, ESV)

Process of Being Spirit-Filled

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

(Jer. 17:7-8, ESV)

Process of Being Spirit-Filled: Yield

Yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit requires us to depend on God and surrender to His will. We can't fully surrender our wills until we are convinced that we are in a hopeless situation. As long as we see a way out, we will generally opt for it.

(Charles Stanley)

Process of Being Spirit-Filled: Power in Weakness

Paul faced a hopeless and persistent thorn in his flesh to keep him humble and chose to surrender to God's will.

The Lord said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Therefore, he boasted all the more gladly about his weaknesses, so that Christ's power could rest on him.

(2 Cor. 12:7-10)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

(2 Cor. 12:7-10)

Walking in the Spirit is a process, not an event. The Spirit's influence in our lives is typically not an overwhelming presence, but a more subtle influence.

Process of Being Spirit-Filled: Preparation

Hungering and thirsting after God (Matt. 5:6)
Praying to be filled with the Holy Spirit to guide your life and desire His presence (Luke 11:13)
Confessing and repenting of all sin that impedes your communication with your Heavenly Father (1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19)
Denying yourself and surrendering your life to Christ (Luke 9:23, John 3:30, Romans 12)
Abiding in Christ and God's Word, and obeying His commandments (John 15:7, 10)

A Spirit-Filled Life bears the Fruit of the Spirit

A Spirit-Filled Life Looks Different than the World

A spirit-filled person will…

Be empowered to witness to the world to build His Kingdom. (Acts 1:8)
Experience greater joy and deeper fellowship with God. (Eph. 5:19-20)
Demonstrate effectiveness in spiritual gifts.
(1 Cor. 12-14)
Be empowered to understand God's Word.
(John 16:13)

This is only the beginning of what a life filled by the Holy Spirit can be.

Walking in the
Power of the Holy Spirit:
Reflection

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to you?

What parts of your life can you yield more to the control of the Holy Spirit?

What areas of your life do you struggle with yielding to the Holy Spirit?

Topic 6

Pursuing Your Calling Amid Life's Challenges

Finding Your Purpose

As a Christian health care professional, it is helpful to…

Have a clear purpose in life that can be accomplished.
Consider creating a life purpose statement to provide a filter to make wise choices related to what God has called you to do.

First, let's look at what a Christian's purpose in life should be.

Living a Life that Advances the Kingdom: Commitment

The clear and present danger,…

Is not failure; rather...
It is succeeding at things that do not really matter.

God desires that all Christians, including health care professionals, be committed to and actively engaged in advancing God's Kingdom and fulfilling His redemptive purpose in the individual and in society.

(Medical Strategic Network: Vision and Mission)

Living a Life that Advances the Kingdom: Examples

Do not compromise God's Kingdom values even when it could cost your reputation or worse.
Build a close relationship with God in order to be effective in all areas of life.

For more information on Joseph, Esther, Daniel, Stephen, and "Spiritual Disciplines", go to the "Resources" of this
Whole Person Care Curriculum.

It is true that we live in a society that is in conflict with God's Kingdom values. Nevertheless, there are numerous examples in the Bible of individuals who lived in a hostile kingdom, while remaining true to God. People like Joseph, Esther, Daniel, Stephen, and others lived exemplary lives in an antagonistic society, while remaining true to God. They did everything they could to support and bless their hostile kingdoms as advisors, cupbearers, and other positions of influence. At the same time, they did not compromise God's Kingdom values and their faith, even when it could cost them their lives.
If instead we allow ourselves to be assimilated into the world around us, we become ineffective within all areas of our life, including the health care setting.
To avoid settling, it is important to have a close relationship with God.
Christians for centuries had relied on the spiritual disciplines—prayer, reading the Bible, worship, fasting, etc.—to guide their lives and build their relationship with God.
For more information on Joseph, Esther, Daniel, Stephen, and "Spiritual Disciplines", go to the "Resources" of this Whole Person Care Curriculum.

Living a Life that Advances the Kingdom: Examples

Who you are:

Collectively, a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation
Bought with a price
Individual identity in Christ, an adopted child of God
Called to make disciples for Kingdom of God

For more about your identity in Christ, go to the "Identity in Christ" section of this course.

Life Purpose Statement: Steps

Take time to get away and be alone with God. Reflect, meditate, and pray about where God is leading you.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses and ask others to help you.
Determine and define your life's goals related to strengths and weaknesses with God's guidance and the guidance of mature Christians.
Write out your statement with enough specificity that it can guide daily activities and major decisions.
Brainstorm places and positions that will allow you to use your strengths and support your purpose.
Review your statement periodically and honestly evaluate how closely you are following it. Remedy areas that need to be corrected and refine where God leads.
(1 Cor. 2:9, Jer. 29:11-13)

Adapted from "At the Crossroads: Making God-Honoring Career Decisions Begins Long before the Options Are Presented" by Yang K. Chen, M.D., "Physician" magazine, January/February 1993

Here are steps for you to take as you develop a life purpose statement:
Take time to get away and be alone with God. Reflect, meditate, and pray about where God is leading you.
Assess your strengths and weaknesses, and ask others to help you.
Determine and define your life's goals related to strengths and weaknesses with God's guidance and the guidance of mature Christians.
Write out your statement with enough specificity that it can guide daily activities and major decisions.
Brainstorm places and positions that will allow you to use your strengths and support your purpose.
Review your statement periodically, at least once a year, and honestly evaluate how closely you are following it. Remedy areas that need to be corrected and refine where God leads. He may lead you to new opportunities that you have not considered. It is important to know where you are going before you reach the point of decision. Having a life purpose statement can help you with those decisions.

Video:

Challenges of Life

Calling and Challenges: Reflection

As you consider your career in health care, what do you believe is God's purpose for your career?

Are you ready to create a purpose statement?

How are you preparing for the challenges that may accompany a career in health care?

How can you begin sharing your desire to serve God through your career with those you are closest to?

What are obstacles to providing spiritual care and how can you address them?

Course Conclusion

In this course, you have:

Learned the importance of who a person is in Christ.
Learned how identity in Christ defines how to practice health care and live life.
Developed an understanding of what it means to have a Kingdom mentality.
Learned how to prepare for spiritual warfare.
Learned how to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Learned how to prepare and use a life purpose statement to guide decision-making amid various challenges.

References can be found in the

“Resources”

for this Whole Person Care Curriculum.

Thank you!

Please click the next page arrow to complete the end-of course survey and receive your certificate!

Course 5: Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Course 5: Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts

Course Instructions

Introduction

Whole Person Care Program

Course 1

Course 2

Course 3

Course 4

Course 5

Resources

Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Course 5

Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Topic 1: Identity in Christ

Topic 1 Identity in Christ

Declarations of Our Identity in Christ

Declarations of Our Identity in Christ

A Chosen People

A Chosen People

(Gal. 3:26-29)

(Eph. 1:4-5)

A Royal Priesthood: Role

A Royal Priesthood: Role

(Rom. 15:16)

(2 Cor. 5:20)

A Royal Priesthood: Heirs

A Royal Priesthood: Heirs

(Rom. 5:17)

A Holy Nation, Set Apart

A Holy Nation, Set Apart

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Errors

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Errors

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Life in the World

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Life in the World

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Continuous Process

A Holy Nation, Set Apart: Continuous Process

(John 17:15-18)

A People for God's Own Possession

A People for God's Own Possession

(1 Pet. 2:9)

A People for God's Own Possession: Bought with a Price

A People for God's Own Possession: Bought with a Price

(1 Cor. 6:19b-20a)

A People for God's Own Possession: Balance

A People for God's Own Possession: Balance

A People for God's Own Possession: Lordship

A People for God's Own Possession: Lordship

(Matt. 16:24-16)

Proclamation of the Excellencies of God

Proclamation of the Excellencies of God

(1 Pet. 2:9)

Proclamation of the Excellencies of God

(Matt. 5:16)

Identity in Christ: Reflection

Identity in Christ: Reflection

Topic 2: Called for a Purpose

Topic 2 Called for a Purpose

Work

Work

Work: What it Should be

Work: What it Should be

(Rom. 5:8)

Biblical Perspective of Work

Biblical Perspective of Work

Biblical Perspective of Work: Part of God's Design

Biblical Perspective of Work: Part of God's Design

Video: Reflecting God Through Work

Video:

Reflecting God Through Work

Reflecting God Through Work: Audience of One

Reflecting God Through Work: Audience of One

(2 Cor. 5:9)

Called to be Ambassadors of Christ

Called to be Ambassadors of Christ

(2 Cor. 3:3)

View the Workplace as a Ministry Post

View the Workplace as a Ministry Post

Course 5:

Living and Maturing as a Christian Health Care Professional

Topic 1

Identity in Christ

A Holy Nation, Set Apart:
Life in the World

Identity in Christ:
Reflection

Topic 2

Called for a Purpose

Topic 3

Kingdom Mentality

Kingdom Mentality:
Conflict

Kingdom Mentality:
Reflection

Topic 4

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare:
Rebellious Spiritual Beings

Spiritual Warfare:
Battle with Spiritual Beings

Spiritual Warfare:
What it is

Spiritual Warfare:
Self-Inventory

Spiritual Warfare:
Self-Inventory