How Does A Simple Soul Act? |St. Francis de Sales
“When a simple soul is to act, it considers only what it is suitable to do or say and then immediately begins the action, without losing time in thinking what others will do or say about it.
And after doing what seemed right, it dismisses the subject; or if, perhaps, any, and thought of what others may say or do should arise, it instantly cuts short such reflections, for it has no other aim than to please God, and not creatures, except as the love of God requires it.”
~St. Francis de Sales, An Introduction to the Devout Life, and also quoted in Cultivating Virtue: Self-Mastery with the Saints
How Does a Simple Soul Act?
Many of us have low confidence in our ability to complete, or even begin, new tasks.
The root of this fear is pride because if we were to understand that our confidence is in God, we would not fear doing the things he wants us to do.
Philippians 4:13 Says, “I can do all these things in him who strengtheneth me.”
He who strengthens us in all things, is, of course, Christ. If we, instead, depend on our own strength, we experience fear because we cannot do anything alone.
Should a Simple Soul Fear?
St. Catherine of Siena said in her Dialogue:
“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear”
The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena: A Conversation with God on Living Your Spiritual Life to the Fullest
Yet, she admitted to having her own fears, and the only way she was able to overcome, was to put her trust completely in God’s power, not hers.
The simple soul does not fear failure. The simple soul does not care if she is criticized by others. Many times, others criticize, because they themselves lack confidence in God, and are too afraid to act.
The simple soul wants to please God, first and foremost — not others, except if pleasing others in a particular thing, also pleases God.
If you have ever experienced fear, when faced with a simple or difficult task, put your trust in God. He will help you complete it.
