Chevrot has a phrase I really like and dislike — but I recognize its truthfulness: the “cult of selfishness.”
He describes it this way: “the people who fall into it would like to be good because it pains them to fall short of their ideal.”
For any high achiever, striver, or perfectionist — anyone actively trying to get better in health, profession, finances, or faith — this is a real pitfall. And it’s especially subtle in matters of faith. Because yes, we are doing good. But what is the motivation? Are we pursuing holiness because we love God, or because we personally can’t stand the feeling of falling short?
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having high standards. We shouldn’t settle for mediocrity. But Chevrot pushes further, and this is where it gets uncomfortable.
On the subject of apostolate — of bringing others to Christ — he writes: “He will perform marvels through our apostolate if we are not preoccupied with succeeding, but only with obeying.”
Our job is to obey. The outcome belongs to God.
I can’t think of many other areas in life where we’d say the results aren’t our concern — just do what you’re asked and trust someone else with what happens next. But that’s exactly what Chevrot is saying. And if Peter’s life shows us anything, it’s that our Lord can do a lot more with our obedience than we could ever do with our striving.
Let us pray. Lord, purify our motivations. Help us to seek You — not the feeling of getting it right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
This reflection is part of a series based on Simon Peter: Lessons from the First Pope by Georges Chevrot — a hidden gem I’d highly recommend. If you’re a reader who enjoys discovering lesser-known books on faith, prayer, and the spiritual life, hit reply or drop a like. I have a few ideas around this kind of content and would love to know if there’s interest before I go further with it.
