Today there are many more opportunities for success because of the vast advancement in technology within a globalised and changing world. Yet, people who have been successful suddenly find themselves in their mid-life trying to decide what else there is in life. People who do not find an answer tend to think that they’d better continue to amass symbols of success. Other people start to search inward for a spirituality that says there’s got to be something more than material success. These people start moving from success to significance.

This recalls the Gospel’s story of the rich young ruler who was searching for a higher value than his amassed wealth. Whilst assuring Jesus that he has kept the commandments, the young man turned away sadly when challenged by Jesus to dispose of his wealth to the poor if he desires to have treasure in heaven. For what good it is for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self. (Luke 9:25)

So, what are some actions people can take to bring spiritual values into their career and business life?

An insight to this question is given by Ken Blanchard, Ph.D. who has authored twelve books and is chairman of Blanchard Training and Development company. Ken says that people need more alone-time, quiet time. He says the world is so busy and our minds are so busy with little or no time for personal reflection. Norman Vincent Peale in ‘The power of Ethical Management’ said that we have two selves: a task -oriented self that is used to getting things done, and an inner self that reflects our spiritual nature. It takes longer to wake up to our inner self than our task-oriented self. The alarm goes off in the morning and people jump out of bed trying to eat while they’re washing in the bathroom, probably with a cell phone on the counter. The whole day goes that way. At night they fall into bed exhausted till the next day comes and they go at it again, and one day blends into another.

Ken says that before he does anything he wakes up one hour or so before to give time for spiritual reading, reflection and a short walk. In other words, he starts the day by feeding his inner spiritual self, and from that space step into the day. Ken believes that people need to shed their false selves to reveal a true and loving, noble servant within which can be called the spiritual self. One’s spirit, when integrated with one’s emotions, intellect and body, results in a new way of being and acting in the world.

It is a matter of bringing one’s faith into our daily actions.

We all desire success. There is nothing evil about success unless we make it an end in itself. A believer desires a different type of success than the world. Success for a Christian is the obedience to the known will of God whether that means going through trials or receiving a blessing.

Our search for an authentic and meaningful life is futile if we disregard the origin and purpose of our existence, that is, we were created for God’s own glory and to share his life with others.

Published in the Sunday Times of Malta ( July 2023) Gordon Vassallo