An Inclusive Approach To Embrace Our Shared Human Inner Values.
DISCERNMENT
The power of discernment gives each of us the ability to detect differences, to make distinctions, to realise truth, to recognise falsehood or distortions, to know. Without it, we would stumble blindly through life, never knowing which way to turn. This power is like the eye of the soul: a ‘third’ eye, some have called it.- Brahma Kumaris( women led spiritual movement)
Decision making is one of the intrinsic part of life. There is not one person who does not make decisions on a personal level, familial level, social level and some do so even on a national and global level. Secular ethics focuses on building an ethical consideration for whatever we do, to act ethically most important is the intention. But have you come across such time when our intentions were good but the outcome was not?
This is because good intention has to be complimented with Discernment too. Discernment means better understanding, which enables us to ensure that our choices and decisions are in tune with reality and we have fully considered the consequences. And the goal of discernment is to have a more realistic and comprehensive understanding of the factors involved in every situation. Discernment is the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.
This fact gives rise to gratitude and helps us reflect on the fact that how deeply imbedded reciprocity is in us as social beings. With this understanding we develop a sense of closeness and association with all.
This is endearment which gets cultivated through gratitude. Once we have cultivated this sense of gratitude for all it will be hugely beneficial for ourselves as well. Numerous research and psychologists have conveyed to masses the positive nature of gratitude. In the long run it helps us to orient away from self interest by considering the interest of others. And to get rid of self-centred attitude is one of the prime needs of our global community. Gratitude and Endearment are stepping stones to achieve that and help in creating a more happy and peaceful society that will be founded on the principle of happiness for all.
If you would like to know more about discernment please read below
Discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to judge well (or the activity of so doing). In the case of judgment, discernment can be psychological or moral in nature. Within judgment, discernment involves going past the mere perception of something and making nuanced judgments about its properties or qualities. Considered as a virtue, a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom, and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.
In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.
JOHN MACARTHUR (PASTOR-TEACHER OF GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH IN SUN VALLEY AND AUTHOR)
True discernment means not only distinguishing the right from the wrong; it means distinguishing the primary from the secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. And, yes, it means distinguishing between the good and the better, and even between the better and the best.
SINCLAIRE FERGUSON (SCOTTISH THEOLOGIAN)
Discernment is a time-honored practice in the Christian tradition. In essence, discernment is a decision-making process that honors the place of God's will in our lives. It is an interior search that seeks to align our own will with the will of God in order to learn what God is calling us to. Every choice we make, no matter how small, is an opportunity to align ourselves with God's will.
Sometimes the habit of discernment invites specific acts, times of actively and consciously bringing particular decisions into prayer. These acts of discernment may include 'sorting through' experiences and information related to the decision so that we might see freshly in the moment and choose that which best fits our being. But, decision-making is only one facet of discernment. It can, in fact, be the need to make a decision that becomes the catalyst for the cultivation of a discerning heart that serves us in all of life.
Rose Mary Doughety (Author)