Humility in the workplace
The Rule of St Benedict spends lots of time on the virtue of humility. And just like monks, we Catholic men at work need to cultivate this virtue. Fortunately, the workplace provides many opportunities for us, right?
Think of all the people and circumstances. Do you run into difficult people in the course of your work? Do you have to tackle tough assignments?
We all run into people who get under our skin or drive us crazy. They're "tests" guys! Our Lord's giving us the chance to exercise not only patience, but humility. The patience part may seem the more obvious. Don't react to someone's annoying behavior, don't lose patience, or even lose your temper, with someone who's not as quick, as smart, as on top of things as we'd like.
Ah, you see how humility just stepped in? Maybe they're not as smart as you, or as quick-thinking. But maybe you've judged them and put yourself in some way above them. Catch yourself and come back down, genius. Work with them patiently. Look for their strengths instead of focusing on their short-comings. You're not perfect - and you know it. Cut them some slack.
Not only won't it kill you; it strengthens your own character. Patience, humility and strength of character. Sounds a bit like Our Lord now, doesn't it.
As for tough assignments, it's not really a matter of just being a "can-do" or "go-to" guy. A lot of that's just posturing. We all know you can score points by "running with" that tough assignment. But can't that just be "showing off" sometimes?
The spirit of humility calls on us to take on the difficult and ask God's help. It's not a time to "show off." It's a time to turn to God. That's why God gave you the "gift" of this tough assignment. With humility you recognize God's hand and understand He wants us to turn to Him in difficult times, rather than complain.
Humility at work: think of the opportunities God gives us every day. Instead of just thinking about "success," seize the chance to humble yourself - and succeed in your spiritual life for once.
Think of all the people and circumstances. Do you run into difficult people in the course of your work? Do you have to tackle tough assignments?
We all run into people who get under our skin or drive us crazy. They're "tests" guys! Our Lord's giving us the chance to exercise not only patience, but humility. The patience part may seem the more obvious. Don't react to someone's annoying behavior, don't lose patience, or even lose your temper, with someone who's not as quick, as smart, as on top of things as we'd like.
Ah, you see how humility just stepped in? Maybe they're not as smart as you, or as quick-thinking. But maybe you've judged them and put yourself in some way above them. Catch yourself and come back down, genius. Work with them patiently. Look for their strengths instead of focusing on their short-comings. You're not perfect - and you know it. Cut them some slack.
Not only won't it kill you; it strengthens your own character. Patience, humility and strength of character. Sounds a bit like Our Lord now, doesn't it.
As for tough assignments, it's not really a matter of just being a "can-do" or "go-to" guy. A lot of that's just posturing. We all know you can score points by "running with" that tough assignment. But can't that just be "showing off" sometimes?
The spirit of humility calls on us to take on the difficult and ask God's help. It's not a time to "show off." It's a time to turn to God. That's why God gave you the "gift" of this tough assignment. With humility you recognize God's hand and understand He wants us to turn to Him in difficult times, rather than complain.
Humility at work: think of the opportunities God gives us every day. Instead of just thinking about "success," seize the chance to humble yourself - and succeed in your spiritual life for once.
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