“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being.

Do it for the Lord rather than for men”

(Col 3:23)

St. Paul speaks so clearly today as, I am sure, he did nearly 1950 years ago; especially to us in the business world.  The quote from Colossians gives us direction with a sense of hope and knowledge of a better way.  But, we are all challenged daily in our culture to forget about serving anything else but ourselves.

“Take care of # 1.” “Make sure you get yours.” “Winners are closers.”

These are all examples of common statements in our society.  They seem very mild when spoken in passing.  It can be seen as a virtue to see someone advance in business because of his or her intelligent strategy.  It is hard not to look on someone’s success as positive, as long as they did not stomp on someone else to get there.

So, what is wrong with those comments?  Go back to St. Paul’s quote.  Why do we work so hard?  Is it all about being the smartest or craftiest? Just the fact that you are reading this tells me that you would disagree.  We as Catholic Professionals know that there is so much more to our life than “winning” or “getting yours”.  We serve our families, friends, and children with our whole being because we know it is for a greater good.

That greater good is the Lord. By doing for Him you know that you are ultimately affecting other people and the environments around you.  But, can we extend that attitude to our work or business environment?

I have always struggled with the conundrum that we need to fight and compete to succeed, but serve others to save ourselves.  How can I support my family and myself if I give all of my whole being to others?

The “whole being” that the Lord is requesting is your “whole heart”.  In the same manner you sacrifice and serve all those in your personal life; his influence on your heart will make those decisions more clear and challenges more manageable.  With a “whole heart” you are able to keep your focus on the grace you see happen around you when truly at your best.  This is the Catholic Professional that we all are called to be.

The amazing part is that many Catholic Professionals I know that have achieved this approach to their professional life, found service first before success.  And, somehow success happened. But, not in the way they expected.  Allow Him your whole heart and together you will do it for all men.

I pray that we are able to give ourselves, or whole selves, to Him so it can b poured out on the world around to bring us closer to the Kingdom here on earth.

Please continue to keep the Catholic Business League and Catholic Professionals everywhere in your prayers.

I am always,

Very truly yours, in Christ

Greg Mays

president@catholicbusinessleague.org