Article July 31, 1989 Issue

Bringing spirituality to our professional careers

Being a professional doesn't mean we can't rely on prayer and inspiration. What counts is looking to God for our intelligence.

Elaine R. Follis

Once , while attending a seminar on writing, I was struck by someone's remark that professionalism is often the foe of inspiration. That generalization stung, because while I consider myself a professional, I sincerely strive to put prayer first in meeting every professional responsibility. To me, the essence of professionalism is diligent, honest preparation—careful study and practice of a discipline, which prepare one to respond effectively and in an agile, flexible way to the specific needs of the moment. Surely that sort of professionalism needs neither exclude nor oppose inspiration!

The observation pushed me to do a lot of thinking, however. And at length I have concluded it has merit as a useful rebuke to the common perversion of professionalism that relies upon and glories in a human sense of ability. A college classroom experience of mine provides a good illustration of this.

I began the school term full of enthusiasm and confidence. I was teaching a course I'd offered many times before, on a topic I followed with great interest in professional publications and thoroughly enjoyed. I had what appeared on paper to be an outstanding group of students, too. But problems arose when theory became experience. These students reported they were puzzled as to the direction and purpose of the course and disliked the assigned readings. They seemed unable to relate to each other or discuss significant issues at any real depth.

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