The formatting is acting up again; this week we seem to have some color ... lol
In a nutshell, it could be said that discernment is the “mindful consideration” of a subject. It is the conscious act of going beyond our individual, pre-conceived views, judgements and perceptions.
Discernment is cyclical and consists of an external and an internal component.
The external component of discernment pertains to actively researching a topic, to gain understanding. It is the practice of comparing and analyzing what we already believe we know, with information we read, see or hear.
The internal component deals with comprehension and personal integration of our research, via meditation and personal reflection. It is an interior search, it is the process of determining the Creator’s/God's will for us, and the ability to carry it out.
(Discernment is) “Knowing what to do, how to proceed, and how
to respond when the issue is not visible to us.” Peggy Moerbe
King Solomon emphasized the importance of practicing
discernment.
My
son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my own commandments with
yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline
your heart to discernment; if, moreover, you call out
for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment
itself, if you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you
keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of God, and
you will find the very knowledge of God. When
wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your
very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment
itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way, from the man
speaking perverse things, from those leaving the paths of uprightness to walk
in the ways of darkness. Proverbs 2:1-5, 10-13
Discernment helps us:
·
determine
the value and quality of our individual views, judgements and perceptions
·
perceive subtleties (grasp and
comprehend that which is not obvious)
·
discard any old or new information that is
misleading or irrelevant
·
recognize truths that resonate within our hearts
·
practice humility
·
self correct
·
set our priorities straight
·
exercise
good judgement
·
gain
wisdom by making wise decisions, especially during stressful/trying times
·
cultivate a close relationship
with the Creator/God
Discernment requires time and personal
effort. As mentioned earlier, discernment is cyclical; there are many steps to take to complete a discernment cycle. The process is the same, regardless of how many times we have gone through the cycle.
Here is the process:
Here is the process:
·
Abandon the notion that we always know what is best.
·
Pray to the Creator/God for an open, receptive
mind and heart: Because truth is constantly changing, it is important to have
an open mind so we can let go of old knowledge that is no longer valid.
·
Ask the Creator/God for the help of the Holy
Spirit.
·
Actively dig for information, as if searching
for a buried treasure.
·
Isolate and focus on the main points presented
in our research; this will help us understand the development
of the subject at hand.
·
Ask the Creator/God to help us understand/comprehend
information found in our research.
· Analyze new information: Put information
received to the test; see if it is truthful.
How does this new information apply to us, individually? Do the
results of our research resonate as truth within our hearts? If not, do not automatically assume that it is false; we may
simply not be ready to receive it yet.
Instead, continue researching and meditating on the subject at hand; in
time, the truth will be revealed.
“Beloved ones, do not believe
every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions.” 1 John 4:1
·
Pay
attention to intuition; it does not lie.
Intuition is the spark of light within each of us that provides us with an innate knowing/sense of awareness that comes to us without explanation or proof.
·
While digging for answers, wait
for the Creator/God to respond.
·
Meditate upon how new found information relates
to the Creator’s/God’s purpose.
One who is trying to make spiritual progress
should attempt to … see things objectively … without being influenced by emotions or passions. Discerning whether something
is the Creator’s/God’s will, or the (D)evil’s will, requires calm, rational
reflection. The Creator’s/God’s will
brings us to peaceful, joyful decisions. The (D)evil’s will leads us to make
quick, emotional, conflicted decisions. Paraphrase, St. Ignatius of Loyola
·
Meditate upon how to integrate and apply new ideas
into our lives
·
Practice honest self-evaluation: Do we need to make personal adjustments in our thinking/beliefs?
·
Abandon our personal views/judgements/perceptions
when it becomes obvious that we are wrong.
·
Integrate
our new found truth(s) into our hearts.
When we consistently practice discernment, integrate
our new found truths into our hearts,
and apply new ideas
into our lives, we grow spiritually. Over
time, we take on a new personality, and the current cycle of discernment is
complete. Each completed cycle brings us closer to the truth.
If we make the conscious effort to fill our minds and hearts with the truth, we will gain wisdom, insight, and discernment. A humble person who puts forth this kind of effort will indeed be able to get to know the Creator/God.
Let us gives serious attention to what is really deep inside of ourselves. Let us use our minds to acquire accurate knowledge of the Creator/God. Let us meditate on these things and seek to apply them. By doing so,
You
will know the truth, and truth will set you free. John
8:32
So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred
Divine Light (Jesus Christ). Amen
