Achievement, Worldly Success, and Faith

[bscastro]

Not quite sure where to put this, but I’ll throw it out here:

What role does or can “personal achievement” and “success” - e.g. building wealth, hobbies, sports achievement, etc. - play in our faith?

A little background behind the question - Since my conversion, I have been less concerned about these things for “pride” reasons, but it has pulled me away from some of the things I have done in the past - such as hobbies like martial arts and playing the piano. Similarly, in my business life, I’m less concerned about “success” as I am about treating my clients and co-workers right - of course, doing a good job for clients. This has hampered my income growth somewhat.

In any case, I think that perhaps I don’t have to abstain from these things as much as I have but have to be wary of my mindset. I can enjoy martial arts for example, but not for pride and selfish reasons such as making myself feel tough, but instead for the exercise, recreation, and character building aspects (admittedly, I have great fun doing it as well). Similarly, seeing my business as a way to serve others and building it perhaps can be a Godly pursuit as well. I just don’t want to run into a greed-type of sin.

In any case, I thought this would be an interesting topic but the answers would be very helpful for me as well.

Thanks and God bless,
Bryan

 

[Aelred_Minor]

I think your faith should not handicap you in your career or other achievements, unless you are called to a specific vocation that requires giving those things up.

Something I think may be useful for people who find themselves highly “successful” or with considerable potential to be so is the perfect consecration to Mary described by St. Louis de Montfort. Essentially, in this consecration a person gives over everything, even their own personal merits, to Jesus through Mary. Thus if you do something great, the merit goes wherever Jesus and Mary choose to bestow it, not necessarily to yourself. You don’t have to worry about getting “credit” for your accomplishments and being rewarded for that “credit”, because you have voluntarily given all that up in the sight of God. The focus of this is on moral merit, but I think it can apply to every aspect of life.

 

[jwinch2]

Interesting questions.

Regarding your business situation, I don’t necessarily think the two have to be mutually exclusive. If you continue to focus, as you have been, on running a moral business and treating people well, I believe the Lord will bless you with financial success also. You can look at your “bottom dollar” through the lens of being a moral and Christian person. I would suspect that treating your employees and customers well will ultimately lead to less employee turnover and greater repeat business and word of mouth recommendations. Over time, your current drop in revenue will likely balance out and you may even come out ahead in the bargain.

The Church does not forbid financial success. In fact, Catholic social teaching suggests that financial success should be viewed as a gift from God. Of course, such a gift comes with the responsibility to use it in a manner consistent with Christ’s will, but I am sure you are already aware of that.

Peace of Christ,

 

[1ke]

I can suggest you look to the Catholic group Legatus as an example of how successful people live out their faith.

 

[bscastro]

Thank you all for your responses, they help me to answer and also raises new questions for me.

Regarding business and finances, your answers are great. Besides what has been said, I think becoming more successful in business both allows me to be a better provider for my family but also to be more charitable to those less fortunate and to contribute to the Church.

One thing that happens to me is that I get focused on “personal development” projects such as fitness, and I get obsessed and it takes me away from my spiritual side. Perhaps it’s a matter of place and priority, as well as moderation. For example, I enjoy exercise, and I think God wants us to be good stewards of our bodies and take care of ourselves, but I think the line may be when it becomes a matter of pride. Any thoughts?

God bless,
Bryan