When Doing God's Will at Work Becomes a Problem
Strive to do God's Will at work.
Okay, it does seem obvious to a Catholic, doesn't it? At least it should. But even if it's obvious that we should do His Will, it's not always easy.
One of the toughest things for me when trying to do God's Will at work is this: What if we pray that we want to do His will but don’t really know if we are, in fact, doing it?
I found some advice from Father Caussade that helps here. First, he tells us to beware Illuminism: “I have prayed, and God will inspire me to do the wisest thing or speak the right words, with infallible results.” We’re kidding ourselves, pursuing something not meant for us. Rather we should proceed thusly: “I have prayed and have the right intention: therefore God will be satisfied with the stupid things I do or say, as He knows I cannot do better.” But over time, our imperfect acts and words prove to be curiously effective, as if by accident, even while we feel and appear foolish and humble.
I especially like when Father says "stupid things I do or say." That's because I've certainly said and done lots of stupid things even in trying to do His Will! Just think about how effectively this keeps our pride and ego at bay. See how our humility is increased? In the midst of those stupid things we say and do, our foolishness and incompetence will build our humility - as long as we are honest with ourselves and admit to our stupidity. And that should naturally cause us to cling ever more to Our Lord, right - especially when we realize just how much of a mess we make of things without His help?
But be careful here: Don't allow the humility you gain from the prayerful discovery and admission of your limitations hold you back from performing the duties of our work joyfully and energetically. Pray and work - in latin, ora et labora. In other words, this doesn’t at all mean that we ought not to be “men of action” as well as men of prayer. Don’t give in to indecision.
We pray to do God's Will. Then after we have had sufficient time, advice, and prayer, we must choose what we think best for the common good. We can't wait around for some mystical answer. Again, beware Illuminism: “I have prayed, and God will inspire me to do the wisest thing or speak the right words, with infallible results.”
The saints themselves were doers and did not take refuge in indecision or fear of failure. Make those spur of the moment decisions we must make from time to time, even if there is no time for prayer beforehand. St. Paul said, all things will work together for the good, mistakes and wrong decisions included, and as St. Augustine adds, even sins.
As for whether all this leads to success or failure, in worldly terms, think of this: Those of the Old Testament measured God’s pleasure with material success, which was how God actually dealt with them. But often (not always) it is exactly the opposite for us in the new dispensation. God’s greatest gifts are crosses and trials. This is how He treats his friends, which is one reason why he has so few, as St. Teresa of Avila observed.
So doing God's Will at work won't ever be a problem unless you make it one. Just pray, trust in His love and mercy and get on with your work.
Okay, it does seem obvious to a Catholic, doesn't it? At least it should. But even if it's obvious that we should do His Will, it's not always easy.
One of the toughest things for me when trying to do God's Will at work is this: What if we pray that we want to do His will but don’t really know if we are, in fact, doing it?
I found some advice from Father Caussade that helps here. First, he tells us to beware Illuminism: “I have prayed, and God will inspire me to do the wisest thing or speak the right words, with infallible results.” We’re kidding ourselves, pursuing something not meant for us. Rather we should proceed thusly: “I have prayed and have the right intention: therefore God will be satisfied with the stupid things I do or say, as He knows I cannot do better.” But over time, our imperfect acts and words prove to be curiously effective, as if by accident, even while we feel and appear foolish and humble.
I especially like when Father says "stupid things I do or say." That's because I've certainly said and done lots of stupid things even in trying to do His Will! Just think about how effectively this keeps our pride and ego at bay. See how our humility is increased? In the midst of those stupid things we say and do, our foolishness and incompetence will build our humility - as long as we are honest with ourselves and admit to our stupidity. And that should naturally cause us to cling ever more to Our Lord, right - especially when we realize just how much of a mess we make of things without His help?
But be careful here: Don't allow the humility you gain from the prayerful discovery and admission of your limitations hold you back from performing the duties of our work joyfully and energetically. Pray and work - in latin, ora et labora. In other words, this doesn’t at all mean that we ought not to be “men of action” as well as men of prayer. Don’t give in to indecision.
We pray to do God's Will. Then after we have had sufficient time, advice, and prayer, we must choose what we think best for the common good. We can't wait around for some mystical answer. Again, beware Illuminism: “I have prayed, and God will inspire me to do the wisest thing or speak the right words, with infallible results.”
The saints themselves were doers and did not take refuge in indecision or fear of failure. Make those spur of the moment decisions we must make from time to time, even if there is no time for prayer beforehand. St. Paul said, all things will work together for the good, mistakes and wrong decisions included, and as St. Augustine adds, even sins.
As for whether all this leads to success or failure, in worldly terms, think of this: Those of the Old Testament measured God’s pleasure with material success, which was how God actually dealt with them. But often (not always) it is exactly the opposite for us in the new dispensation. God’s greatest gifts are crosses and trials. This is how He treats his friends, which is one reason why he has so few, as St. Teresa of Avila observed.
So doing God's Will at work won't ever be a problem unless you make it one. Just pray, trust in His love and mercy and get on with your work.
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