A Catholic Perspective on Life as a Test and a Trust
What does life look like from God’s perspective? I’m reminded of the start of the song, Through Heaven’s Eyes from the film The Prince of Egypt, where Jethro started singing,
“A single thread in a tapestry,
though its color brightly shine;
can never see its purpose
in the pattern of the grand design.”
Imagine seeing the grand tapestry of existence with all its colors and patterns woven together in perfect harmony. From our human viewpoint, life can sometimes feel like a chaotic mix of joys, sorrows, excitement, challenges, and uncertainties. But from God’s vantage point, everything has purpose and meaning. We’ve got to learn to trust that God knows what He is doing when it comes to how life is supposed to turn out. As a Catholic, I’ve concluded that life as a test and a trust can transform how we live daily from God’s perspective of time.
Let’s dive into these two profound concepts and see how they shape our journey here on Earth from a Catholic perspective.
Life on Earth is a Test
Life on earth as a test is a central theme in Catholic teaching. It’s not about passing or failing in the traditional sense but about growing, learning, and ultimately drawing closer to God. Every decision we make, and every situation we face—a moment of joy or a trial of suffering—presents us with opportunities to demonstrate our faith, trust, and love in God and one another. Especially love.
When I think about life as a test, I’m reminded of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In this story, the master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before going on a journey. When he returns, he evaluates how each servant used what was given. This parable illustrates that our lives are filled with tests—how we use our time, talents, treasures, and love is all part of God’s evaluation.
From God’s perspective, these tests are not meant to trip us up, but to help us grow in virtue. When we face difficulties, it’s not a sign that God is punishing us, but rather an opportunity to deepen our trust in Him. Even the seemingly mundane moments of life—how we treat others, how we respond to stress, how we live out our daily responsibilities—are all part of this divine test.
A thing to remember when it comes to tests is the deadlines. We have as many times to retake this test just in this life only. Once we pass from this life into the next, we become like the angels, that is, the moment we leave time on this Earth, and enter into Eternity, our fate is sealed. That is why it is important to attempt to aim for love every single time. If we fail, we must get up and try again until we can get it.
The Daily Tests of Life
Seeing life from God’s view means recognizing that our daily experiences are imbued with spiritual significance. Think about the small decisions you make each day: Will you take the time to help a co-worker in need? Will you choose patience over frustration in traffic? Will you spend quality time with your spouse and family? Will you spend a few moments in prayer instead of scrolling through your phone?
These might seem like trivial choices, but from God’s perspective, they are opportunities to grow in holiness. Each decision, no matter how small, is a chance to align our hearts with God’s will. It’s like a spiritual workout—every choice strengthens our spiritual muscles and prepares us for the bigger challenges that life might come our way.
Since becoming Catholic, I’ve found that understanding life as a test helps me approach life’s issues with a different mindset. Instead of seeing difficulties as obstacles, I try to see them as opportunities. It’s not always easy—let’s be honest, sometimes I’d rather avoid the test altogether! But, when I remember that these moments are shaping my final end for eternity, it gives me the courage to face them head-on with faith and trust.
Life on Earth is a Trust
While life is a test, it’s also a trust. This means that everything we have—our relationships, our talents, our resources—are gifts from God that we are called to steward wisely. From the Catholic perspective, life is not just something we own, but something we are entrusted with by God.
The concept of life as a trust is beautifully illustrated in the story of creation. God creates the world and everything in it, and then He entrusts it to humanity to care for and cultivate (Genesis 1:26-28). This is our first glimpse of the trust that God places in us, and it’s a trust that extends to every aspect of our lives. This trust from the start in Genesis has never been lifted; we are still held to such a trust to this day.
Seeing life from God’s view means recognizing that we are caretakers of His gifts. Whether it’s our physical bodies (which are of His image, so we must be caretakers of His image), our time (which is extremely limited in view of Eternity), our talents (gifts from the Most High), or the people in our lives, we are called to use these gifts in a way that honors God and reflects His love for us.
Stewardship of God’s Gifts
When we understand life as a trust, it changes how we approach our daily responsibilities. Instead of seeing our work, our possessions, or even our relationships as things we own, we begin to see them as gifts that God has entrusted to us. This perspective encourages us to be responsible stewards, to care for and nurture these gifts with gratitude and humility.
For example, think about your talents. Perhaps you’re a skilled musician, a gifted teacher, or a compassionate friend. These talents are not just for your benefit—they are gifts from God meant to be shared with others. By using our talents to serve others, we are fulfilling our role as stewards of God’s trust. For example, when I converted to the Catholic Church, I decided to use the talent of my voice as a Reader/Lector. My official training is as an actor in the theater, and I find this to be the best way to share God’s gift of my acting and my voice is to proclaim the Word of God to others.
This also applies to our relationships. The people in our lives—our family, friends, and even students from school or coworkers from work—are entrusted to us by God. How we treat them, how we support and love them, is a reflection of how we understand our role as caretakers of God’s trust. Even to the total and complete stranger on the street.
Living with a Trust Mentality
Living with the mentality that life is a trust helps us to live with a sense of purpose and responsibility. It reminds us that our actions have eternal significance and that we are accountable to God for how we use the gifts He has given us. God, like a human dad giving kids a job, or chores to do, has given us a responsibility with certain things.
This should not mean we live in fear of making mistakes; rather, it encourages us to live with intentionality and care. When we see our lives as a trust from God, we become more mindful of how we use our time, how we treat others, and how we make decisions. We begin to live not just for ourselves, but for the greater glory of God. Ad Majorum Dei Gloriam!
Trusting in God’s Plan
Trusting in God’s plan doesn’t mean we abandon our aspirations; it means we align them with God’s will. It’s about seeking His guidance in our decisions and being open to where He leads us. From God’s view, He sees the whole picture—the ups and downs, the successes and failures—and He knows what is best for us because He has the best view of us.
When we live with this trust, we find the freedom to let go of our anxieties and fears. We begin to see that God’s plan is not just good, but perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. This trust allows us to live with a sense of peace, knowing that we are in the hands of a loving Father who cares deeply for us.
Presenting: A New Perspective
Seeing life from God’s view as both a test and a trust transforms the way we live each day. It invites us to approach our challenges with faith, knowing that they are opportunities for growth. It encourages us to be responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to us, living with gratitude and intention.
I’m learning to embrace this perspective more fully. It’s not always easy, and I most definitely don’t have it all figured out, but I believe it’s a journey worth taking. By seeing life as a test and a trust, I’m discovering a deeper sense of purpose and a closer relationship with God. So, the next time life presents a challenge, or you are entrusted with a new responsibility, take a moment to see it from God’s view. Ask yourself, “How is this a test? How is this a trust?” You might be surprised that it’s about transformation.