Internship for the glory of God

Every medical doctor in India, after finishing the undergraduate course, has to be posted under senior doctors of all fields over a period of one year in a medical college. This period of time is called Internship or Resident housemanship. This is one of the toughest path of the medical career. This can be demanding both physically and mentally. The physical work can be too much that at times it would be difficult to find time even to eat and sleep. But as a Christian, we have to honor God even in this season. Here are some of the things which I think would be helpful for all believers who are going through this period of trial.

1) God's glory comes first than food and sleep:

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work. 

(Joh 4:34)

I know interns who are reading this, are going to say, 'How is that possible when finding time to eat and sleep is a luxury?' But as Christians, we should remember that our primary motive in everything we do is to glorify God. God is the one who has put you in this period. In the context of this passage, Jesus was hungry and thirsty physically yet He gave priority for the work of pleasing God's Will all the time by showing the way of salvation to the Samaritans there (John 4), more than His physical hunger for food (John 4:6). So even in this period of trial, we should glorify God. If you are weak and busy to find time for God, ask God for help in prayer, since He is the one who is providentially controlling everything in life even this season of time. And He will give you time to worship Him and read the Scriptures.

2) Still, food and rest are important:

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. 

(1Co 3:17)

Since Holy Spirit is dwelling with us in our body, it is our duty to take care of our body too. So even if you are having a lot of work to do in ward, still it is your duty to eat and sleep. One thing which I found it useful during internship was to prioritize the work and finish the work which is of top priority and if they are settled, eat quick frequent meals in between. And drink plenty of water. I used to drink tap water to quench my thirst in CMC if I was busy. Also remember that work will always be there no matter how much you try to complete it. So why destroy the temple of God for your never ending task?

3) Obey your masters: 

Slaves are to be under the control of their masters in all respects, giving them satisfaction, not talking back to them or stealing from them, but exhibiting complete good faith, so as to adorn the doctrine of God our savior in every way. 

(Tit 2:9-10)

Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will receive recompense for the wrong he committed, and there is no partiality. 

(Col 3:22-25)

Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, willingly serving the Lord and not human beings, knowing that each will be requited from the Lord for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. 

(Eph 6:5-8)

Whether we are Interns or Professors, it is God who gives us our vocation. And the registrars and the consultants entrust the work on us with hope that we would complete it. So in order to please God, we have to obey the authorities above us. At times, these masters may be very unreasonable to us. They may be lazy, abusive, unreasonable or even clumsy but since God has put them above you, you have to obey them. They may make you to do the work of an attender like getting blood from blood bank, coffee for the department, getting the sample to the lab by yourself, etc. It may be insulting for you to do that after having passed one of the toughest exams in the world. Many of your co-interns may encourage you to rebel against doing such menial works. But remember that the blessing which you get should be from God. And if we obey God in all these things with humility, God will reward us. 

4) Humility:

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 

(1Pe 5:6)

Many a times people who are below you won't respect you. You may find difficult nurses, attenders who won't be cooperative. They may even insult you. They won't care that you are working without sleep. But be humble in all these remembering this verse above. Remember that God is always with you to help you even if no other coworker is with you. 

5) Honesty:

Christians should be honest in everything. You may be tempted to lie for the sake of ease at work. People will encourage you to bluff. But remember that it will not honor God. You might have forgotten to do the work which you ought to do. Accept your ignorance and the punishment for the same, rather than covering it up. From my personal experience, I have seen many registrars and consultants appreciating the interns who are honest, sincere and hard working. Your gold medal will not be of any value to them if you are dishonest and lazy.

6) Don't try to please men:

The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD is safe. 

(Pro 29:25)

No matter how hard you work, no matter how efficient and honest you are, there will be some people who are not going to be happy with you. So instead of wasting your energy to please them, if you please God, you will have your reward at the right time. 

7) Avoid being jealous of others:

Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. 

(Rom 13:13-14)

You may be tempted to be jealous of your co-intern who is the most favored of your department. Or you can be jealous of your other colleagues. But remember that jealousy is a deed of flesh and we should be walking in the Spirit. 

8) Reward in Heaven:

And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple-- amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." 

(Mat 10:42)

Always remember that we are strangers and nomads in this world. Our real dwelling place is in heaven. You may not be remembered by your registrars or consultants or your colleagues for your good works. People may not appreciate your honesty and obedience. Your colleagues may not be faithful for being kind and considerate to them. But remember that God is watching us and He would reward us abundantly infront of everyone for all the good works we have done for Him.

These are few things which God had taught me during internship. I learnt many of these through painful means. But I still consider that God allowed this period of life for the sake of my sanctification so that I will be glorifying God in a much better way.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. 

(Psa 31:24)

If you have liked this, you can also read Work - A blessing or A curse