Important Connections Between Our Work and Our Spiritual Life - 2

We continue with a consideration of important connections between our work and our spiritual life, guided by Fr. Martial Lekeux.

Last time we saw how discouragement can undermine our efforts both in our spiritual life and in our work. But Father makes the distinction between the two. While work requires some sort of positive result for our effort to be rewarded, not so in our spiritual life. God recognizes our effort and rewards us based on that alone. Results are not more important than effort. Indeed, we understand that results are ultimately in His Hands alone.

In our work, we may face a challenge that exceeds our level of skill and/or experience. In such a case, we're "in over our heads." Depending on the situation, though, we can acquire the skills we need to at least give it a good go. 

As a sole proprietor, I face such challenges frequently. And so the constant effort to gain knowledge and skill must be part of my daily work. And pursued over time, experience naturally fills in any other gaps.

Of course, if that "in over our heads" assignment comes with a quick deadline, there may not be time to acquire a fresh set of skills. What to do? A tough question. At the least, we give it our best effort. Perhaps we talk to our boss and work out a solution. Then again, having worked for some bosses who were - to say the least - not receptive to such dialogue, that may not be an option.

In the end - or better the beginning - we pray. We acknowledge God's Presence and ask for His help. He will give us what we need, even if what we need isn't what we think we need. It could even be that our dilemma arrives at a time when it's time to us to seek other employment.

In our spiritual life, our faults and vices can stand in the way of our efforts. These likely will prove more difficult to overcome than any lack of knowledge, skill, or experience. But Father has encouraging words here: 

“No, don’t be dejected over your faults, or your vices. They don’t stand in the way of your sanctification. Look here, if you should die with all your vices intact, and be able to say to Almighty God: ‘I fought. On such and such a day I made this effort, on another day, that effort. I gave my very best,’ you have a right to a crown, and your place in heaven will be higher than that of another who had far fewer difficulties. Our faults shall vanish by themselves at our death. They will not close heaven to us. Only our bad will can do that. ‘If God wishes to subject you to the rudest combats, before subjugating your passions and vices,’ says the venerable Blosius, ‘if He permits you to struggle with these deadly domestic enemies until the very end of your life, then joyfully submit yourself to His holy will. Often He takes more pleasure from the effort you use in acquiring virtue than from the sweetness you experience from having acquired it.”

Again, we see the importance of effort. Further, we learn that the struggle we face is likely God's way of helping us to grow holy, that is, closer to Him. In a sense, we may rejoice when the struggle seems too difficult. God deems us worthy to face what seems an impossibly difficult stretch. Perhaps He feels us ready to advance, even if we don't see of feel any improvement. We must simply trust in His Good Will.

But the key is our recognition of a Father's Loving Hand in all this. He sends, or permits, such struggle for a reason. We may not understand His reason at the time. But there always is a reason - His Reason.

And, as opposed to the situation we described in our daily work, there's always a good result - with a catch. We must have good will. We must not turn on Him in resentment, anger, or give up our struggle for sanctity, no matter our circumstances. We just recall that He will always supply the graces we need.

Easy words to say, to be sure. And if you've ever faces some dark or at least empty days in your spiritual life, you may find the words simplistic, not very helpful. Just remember that this is the devil's way of worming his way into our hearts and souls and turning us down the path to perdition. 

Instead, we accept difficulty and suffering. We take all God might dish out to us, or permit to happen to us, knowing it is medicine laced with Love. When necessary, we rely on faith and discipline to bolster good will towards God.

Just as the development of solid discipline will help us manage the vast majority of challenges at work, so to spiritual discipline will assist us and guide us through any tough times in our spiritual life.

We continue with more of Father Lekeux's thoughts next time...