“First do no harm”, a familiar phrase to all medical personnel, but one that applies to Christians as well.  We have the key to protection from eternal death, but it takes courage to offer it. We may face ridicule and danger, but standing up for God and right always leads to blessing.

2MefromHim Devotional

First Do No Harm

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves… Philippians 2:3

“First do no harm” is phrase that challenges medical professionals of every discipline. Christians should hold it as our standard as well.

We live in a world where “mean” is the norm. To take a stand up for someone who is weak, downtrodden, or lacking understanding, and do it without malice, or thought of self is rare. I read recently that people are mean when they feel insecure or threatened, and more interested in being right than Christ-like.

As a charge nurse, I made rounds with the doctors, and took occasional weekend responsibility for our 64-bed unit. I never expected a confrontation with the medical director of the hospital. Faced with accepting an order that could endanger an elderly patient’s well-being, I refused, in spite of who issued it. I couldn’t afford to lose my job, but my task was to protect and care for someone unable to speak for herself. I considered it a sacred charge.

After making my case in administration the next day, I stayed in the background, awaiting the decision. The phone call received by the head nurse near the end of the shift wasn’t what I expected. It was better. They exonerated me. The medical director was placed on a leave of absence. Years later, he lost his license to practice medicine.

Christians possess the truth, in spiritual matters, and often regarding affairs of physical and emotional safety, as well. Jesus touched lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors; the little people society looked down on. His own reputation was nothing, as long as he honored God. He stirred up controversy if the outcome saved a life.

At times, God may place us in a position to counsel people regarding personal affairs of various kinds, physical, moral, or spiritual. A solid knowledge of scripture, daily study in God’s word, and much time in prayer is required to stand for right in a self-gratifying and hostile world.

For a Christian to do no harm requires us to set aside personal comfort and speak the truth, unpopular as it may be. We must be willing to accept rejection, even publicly, to prevent the triumph of wrong.  Most important, our words and attitude should convey love, even if it is tough love.

Will we chance ridicule in order to promote right, or remain silent and allow wrong to prevail?

“First do no harm.”

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, March 14, 2018

About the author:

Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.