Self-Confidence

A cartoon that elicited at least a gentle smirk from my otherwise stock-still face was a picture of two birds on a limb, with one wearing a packed parachute. The other was saying, “The trouble with you, Sheldon, is that you lack self-confidence.” Perhaps the humor in that image is more trenchant because so many of us can identify with it.

As an epilogue to the remarks in the previous article, it is appropriate to explain how self-confidence is not per se in conflict with the virtue of trust. It is a psychologically desirable personality feature--the opposite of an inferiority complex--and it should be cultivated from the earliest childhood. This requires considerable parental guidance with a generous dose of affirmation, along with available instruments for accomplishing things and an appropriately controlled environment. Self-confidence has to do with security in one’s ability to function in society and to accomplish works that reflect some success or fruitfulness of one’s endeavors. (Note: self-confidence should not be confused with self-esteem; for more on that quality, see my following article).

Self-confidence is a natural (and good) quality, but not a supernatural virtue, while trust in God is a supernatural (that is, grace-activated) virtue. All of one’s accomplishments should be ultimately intended for God’s glory--some more directly or explicitly than others, of course. When a person trusts the Lord to direct all these (non-sinful) accomplishments to that end, then the value of the work is enhanced and supported by God’s grace. With this kind of sublimation of ordinary work, the Lord, by his creative ingenuity, can make that work long lasting in its effects, like the artistic inspiration that today is evoked by viewing ancient works of art. A highway worker may take pride in knowing that travel by car will be better, even years from now, because of his work today, but trusting God to apply that remote benefit for his glory changes the human labor into a grace-filled endeavor; not so with works irrelevant to God’s involvement.

Thus, any labor that makes this a better world should be both satisfying and sanctifying. It is satisfying because of self-fulfillment, but sanctifying because it is entrusted to God to make it holy, as only he can. This is the sacramental marriage or holy coupling of self-confidence and trust in God.

Of the many scriptural references to the “sanctity of labor,” you might ruminate over this one for a spiritual uplift: “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. . . . Show this same diligence to the very end . . . and inherit what is promised” (Heb 6:10, emphasis mine).

This excerpt is from the book Pathways of Trust, by John H. Hampsch,C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.