Examples of Good Spiritual Works Giving Solid Pracitical Tips at Work - 5

We continue with our discussion about how good spiritual works can give us solid practical tips at work. 

To reiterate, the primary purpose of reading good spiritual works remains helping us to live holy lives, specifically to grow closer to God. Nothing we'll discuss changes that. But if spiritual works can simultaneously provide a gem here or there that we can apply to the practical work we do, all the better. It helps us in offering our work for the greater glory of God, while enhancing the quality of the work we produce not only in God's eyes, but in the eyes of our boss, our clients, our customers. 

As we've noted, an unbeatable combination.

With that in mind, here's more for our current guide, Father Joseph Schryvers. The following selections pick up on the theme of mortification - something that should be a part of every day, at work, at home, even at play. 

Assuming we're in the habit of mortifying our senses, our minds, our emotions throughout the day, and given that we know our practice of mortification will be one of the key factors in our efforts to grow closer to Our Lord and even to become saints, let's now see how those same acts of mortification might give us a boost at work.

“Generous souls find occasions, everywhere, of satisfying their thirst for mortification. In eating and drinking, in their manner of sitting, of lying in bed, of dressing, and in their relation with others."

Be generous in mortifying our eating, drinking, even sitting or lying down. Such mortification strengthens our body and our will. It sharpens our mind. It takes our minds off of seeking comfort and pleasure all the time. At work, we're less likely to think of lunch, coffee break, surfing the internet for personal indulgences, etc. Our focus becomes deeper and lasts longer. We complete our tasks on time, or earlier. The result of such concentrated effort will likely become apparent, bringing a smile to our lips and maybe even to our boss's as well. 

When it comes to our relations with others, we can find many opportunities to mortify. The most important mortification would be our tongue: Never - as in never - make uncharitable comments about others. And this includes gossip. Even if the gossip item isn't uncharitable on the face of it, just avoid gossip. As for saying anything that is in any way uncharitable, that's out. 

And for some of us this may be a difficult mortification. Not that we're necessarily looking to say something uncharitable, but we may have a sharp tongue as a matter of style. Or we may just blurt things out without thinking. So maybe a good rule could be just say nothing about other folks. And that could very well require some oomph as far as mortification goes.

On the positive side, looking for opportunities to say something kind and generous about others can prove to be a mortification especially when the individual isn't, let's say, our favorite person in the world. Indeed, maybe they really rub us the wrong way. We'd prefer just avoiding them. And while avoiding is better than saying something uncharitable, pushing ourselves to give them a smile or a complement can be a mortification. Even better than talk is action. We can offer assistance when there's a clear need. 

If we actively take the time and engage our mortification antennae as a matter of habit, we likely could get a good solid flow going on a regular basis. While certainly good for our souls, it can't hurt our standing in our workplace as well.

Father Schryvers references the saints when it comes to mortification. Here we find the gold standard as well as something we may find a bit daunting:

"Imitate these holy souls: give all to Jesus without counting the cost. The more you sacrifice for His sake, the more you will see that there are still sacrifices to be made; the more you give yourself up to your divine Master, the more He will exact."

The "more He will exact" part really catches our attention here, doesn't it? "You mean even if I develop a solid habit and pattern or mortification, Our Lord will want even more from us?" Well, isn't that the sort of thing the saints assumed. And isn't such an assumption a big part of their ultimately working out their salvation here on earth - in other words, becoming a saint?

A lot for our souls, and something good for the workplace as well: Don't you agree? But wait, there's more. We'll complete Father's thoughts next time...