Performing an Action only with the Right Motive
Although I might be able to decide and do things which others could not decide or do, I will neither decide nor do them, if the glory of God and the advantage of souls do not require it. (OOCC, X, p. 35; STA, 55)
A person may possess capabilities and talents, either by way of natural gifts from God or acquired by his own efforts. Such an adept person is able to decide and do things, which an inept person cannot decide or do. It is praiseworthy that a person has skills and proficiency in accomplishing different tasks. But, it is not always advisable to use such gifts, if their use is not going to bring good effects for the person and for others. If a person’s talents and abilities are to bear good fruit, he must be guided by the right motive. If the motive of the person in utilizing his God-given gifts is proper, all such abilities of a person can bring much good. But, if the motive is bad, one can harvest only evil effects out of the great potentials of the person. St. Vincent Pallotti, being aware of this great truth, believed that a person should decide and do even those things which others are not capable of doing like him, only if there is a right motive for its performance. The fact that there is no other person capable of doing what one can do does not justify the use of that person’s talent arbitrarily and purposelessly. According to St. Vincent, the right motives are glory of God and the advantage of others. Hence, there should be no selfish interest in using a person’s talents. But, one must use his talents only when he is able to glorify God and bring happiness to others through them.
Do I recognize the many talents and abilities I have? Am I selfish in using my God-given gifts? Do I realize the importance of the right motive for the fruitful use of my talents? Am I selfish in using my talents? Do I use my abilities for the glory of God and the happiness of my neighbor?
Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony … And whatsoever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus. (Col. 3: 14, 17)