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Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3-4).
What does it mean to be a Child of God?
We live today in a society that highly encourages individualistic attitudes and idolizes the pursuit of one’s self-interest. In the professional world, this can be seen by the constant pressure people feel to achieve a certain ranking in their careers. “Will your way to the top” is a common mentality of people today. It is important to note that, although self-determination and a strong fixed mindset on a goal are crucial characteristics of a successful professional, these qualities may often impede one’s ability to be truly happy if not lived out under a Christian worldview.
The recent coronavirus pandemic and the economic struggles that followed have led many people to come face-to-face with their own limitations. The realization of one’s limits may be disheartening for many to face. But, this should not affect us, Christians, because we are children of God. This fundamental truth of the gospel is often lost in society today by the strong push for self-reliance found in our culture. So, we must be reminded as Christians that, “we are the Easter people and Alleluia is our Song” as St. John Paul II states.
To be a child of God signifies that God is Our Father. As a father, he provides for us and loves us unconditionally. This is cause for great joy and hope that should transform our lives.
We who are Christians have a further cause for joy: like Jesus, we know that we are loved by God our Father. This love transforms our lives and fills us with joy - From an Angelus address during JPII’s apostolic journey to the Far East and Oceania (November 1986).
One might ask how this applies in the professional environment. The answer is quite simple: total entrustment to God. This allows the Catholic professional to become like a child, which results in:
1. Making the best use of our gifts
The joy and hope that being a child of God provide creates trust in God’s providence. One loses the fear of failure when one totally entrusts himself to God.
The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27).
Without the fear of failure, we are able to take risks and exercise our gifts to our full ability. Confidence in our divine filiation turns into confidence in every aspect of life.
2. Endurance during times of trial and tribulation
Hardship is something that is unavoidable in the life of a Catholic professional. With the hope and joy of a child of God, one can seek consolation in God.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me (Psalm 23).
Therefore, no matter what your situation in the workplace may be, you should remember you are the beloved child of the Father and He is with you through it all.
3. Ability to think big
Do not be afraid to strive for greatness. We must not be disheartened by our limits but rather be encouraged by our dependence on God’s grace because,
His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136).
We are not alone in this journey and are each called to be saints through our own unique vocation as Catholic professionals. We must not become discouraged by the fear, failure, or limitations we might encounter, but rather we should let these challenges be an invitation to entrust ourselves totally to God’s grace like a child.
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