Catholic work ethic?

[kolbe1943]

Hello,

I have always been caught in a philosophical dilemma and was wondering if anyone on the boards could help. Basically my question is: Is our work solely responsible for our success, is it the Lord’s will, or a combination of both and if so how? I have been searching for a job the past couple of months with no luck and this mental conundrum has really got me bothered. Any (name removed by moderator)ut at all is wonderful, thank you in advance.

 

[TheQuestioner]

Hello,

I have always been caught in a philosophical dilemma and was wondering if anyone on the boards could help. Basically my question is: Is our work solely responsible for our success, is it the Lord’s will, or a combination of both and if so how? I have been searching for a job the past couple of months with no luck and this mental conundrum has really got me bothered. Any (name removed by moderator)ut at all is wonderful, thank you in advance.

You can do nothing on your own, not even lift a finger. All things are done by God. Everything is by the Lord’s Will. You need to cooperate with Him, not Him with you. Basically, He wishes for you to cooperate to show Him how much you really want something, and He may use that cooperation to get you that thing. Thus, all strength is from God, but a power lifter works out to show God how much he wishes to receive more strength from God. God in turn, grants him that strength. So keep looking for a job, and God may in turn, give you one.

That’s the way I see it anyway:shrug:.

 

[roveau]

Hello,

I have always been caught in a philosophical dilemma and was wondering if anyone on the boards could help. Basically my question is: Is our work solely responsible for our success, is it the Lord’s will, or a combination of both and if so how? I have been searching for a job the past couple of months with no luck and this mental conundrum has really got me bothered. Any (name removed by moderator)ut at all is wonderful, thank you in advance.

I would answer your question that God certainly would not be rewarding a lack lustre effort. I found in my life that putting in a maximum of effort always got results but it was God who opened doors or smoothed the way during difficult episodes. But everything about us is a gift from God anyway (health, ability etc) and I think He would be pleased to see us do the best with what He has given us.

Consider lines of work you never considered before… at least as an interim measure until you get what you want. I really wish you all the best.

 

[kolbe1943]

Thank you for your replies and your experiences, are your viewpoints in line with Church doctrine? I honestly have no clue what the Church has to say on the matter. Thanks again.