Discernment

Definition

Discernment is the ability to objectively perceive my environment and evaluate my circumstances to inform my decision-making.

The output goal of discernment is an objective evaluation; no solution or action plan is implied. Decisions are commitments to action based on discernment.

Discernment Questions add a framework to simplify discernment, since it can be difficult.

Discernment, Faith, and Free Will

Phrases that include “discernment” are often thrown around in my Christian faith – “I need to discern God’s will…” or “I’m discerning what to do next.” I’ve often found that these phrases signal either procrastination or a period of asking God for answers to open decisions. The latter presents as humility, but it shirks free will, implying that there is a single answer that, once found and followed, will lead to the correct outcome.

I don’t think God created humans to be simple robots that are designed to follow prescribed rubrics. We’ve been empowered with free will and a creative spirit that resembles our maker.

As C.S. Lewis expresses in the eighth Screwtape Letter:

“Merely to override a human will would be for Him useless… the Enemy wants a world full of beings united to Him but still distinct… merely to cancel them, or assimilate them, will not serve… He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles.”

Discernment for the purpose of seeking answers is a crutch that prevents me from maturing the ability to perceive my environment as Jesus would. It’s like asking for the answer key to my life’s decisions, so I don’t have to observe the world for myself or make mistakes to learn from.

Instead of searching for the answer key, I pray for the ability to observe and evaluate (to discern) the world around me as Jesus would –

Behold, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal #John/4/35-36

Becoming like Jesus is learning to see the world as he did. If I evaluate scenarios with the same love, grace, patience, and righteousness, I can direct the discretionary freedom I’ve been given to love others as he did.