Serious Application of the Virtue of Humility at Work

With Lent now gaining traction in our lives, we should be incorporating our Lenten discipline into our daily routine. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the so-called Three Pillars of Lent, take center stage. 

But these Three Pillars of Lent ought not to be a kind of contest or competition. We don't pursue them to rack up merit for ourselves, although we may very well gain merit depending on the purity of our intentions. 

Each has a place in our Lenten discipline. But it's not for us to keep score. Let God be the Scorekeeper.

Our focus: We want to change. We want to become more holy. 

We recall how Our Lord suffered and died for us because of our sins. He offered Himself, a worthy sacrifice, to His Father, in reparation for our sin.

What could help us to become more holy than an increase in the virtue of humility?

At work, we don't turn Lent off. So let's consider the following with our daily work in mind. For these few minutes spent with the virtue of humility our guide is Fr. Joseph Schryvers, C.SS.R. (1876-1945). We present his thoughts with a few comments on applying them to our work.

“The humble man never approaches God without a sentiment of his own absolute personal misery; he shuns all ideas of self-esteem, as he would the bite of a serpent. Neither does he hold to his own opinion, but willingly yields to that of others to whom he is... indulgent. 

If we have even a smidgen of humility it's not so hard to to fully accept what Father calls our "absolute personal misery." Surely such a simply spirit can be carried into our work day with ease. But it's a different story when it comes to self-esteem. Our culture loves it and constantly tells us we need more of it. Even corporate training sessions that are purportedly designed to build teamwork could never question the seemingly primary importance of workers with high self-esteem. At least I can't imagine this. We are thus challenged to shun it.

As for willingly yielding to the opinions of others, one might imagine a collegial corporate culture that would go along with this view, but here we focus on the individual being willing to yield, not just yielding because the culture of the workplace demands it. To be willing to yield requires at least somewhat robust humility.

He never speaks in a bitter and imperious manner. The humble of heart show constant serenity and calmness of countenance and are always accessible, especially to the lowly. 

An argument can be made that a uniquely skilled and knowledgeable worker who is impatient even haughty might be tolerated in the workplace. While such tolerance might have a practical benefit to the corporate enterprise, it serves mammon, not the individual who displays such behavior. Would that he or she would know Father's words here. As for us who do know, with humble hearts we can carry ourselves and our unique skills calmly without condescension.

The humble man, aware of his limitations, does not meddle in other people’s business; he does not judge nor contradict without necessity. 

"Mind your own business" - a phrase I heard many times growing up - captures this. But here we connect it with the virtue of humility. On the job it's always a good practice. Busybodies, who frequently double as gossips are pretty unattractive sorts, aren't they?

As for judging, sometimes we must evaluate - or judge - the work others do. For example, it's part of a boss's job description. But we also need to be discerning when working with others to accomplish a goal. If their contribution is lacking, or leading in a wrong direction, it's important to know this, and possibly to uncover it. But this should be a rarity and brought to light only when the demands of our job call for it. As for contradicting, here's an estimate: 80% of contradictions spring from personal temperament, rather than any objective necessity. Hence Father again hits the nail on the head.

There's more Father Schryvers awaiting us next time. For now, we conclude with our perennial Lenten aspiration.

 

We adore Thee O Christ and We Bless Thee

Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world