Embracing Discernment: Courage to Seek Truth

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound importance of discernment and judgment in our lives. We began with a powerful image from 1936, where amidst a sea of conformity, one man stood firm, refusing to give the Nazi salute. This image serves as a metaphor for the courage required to resist societal pressures and remain true to one's convictions. Every day, we are faced with choices that shape who we become, and the quality of our judgment plays a crucial role in these decisions.

Discernment is not a mystical intuition but a commitment to truth and a willingness to question our own biases. It is a character strength that falls under the virtue of knowledge, essential for navigating a world filled with false messages. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Philippians and Romans, emphasizes the need for discernment to distinguish not just between good and bad, but between good and best. This requires a humble submission to truth, even when it challenges our ego.

We are often tempted to conform to societal norms, much like the workers in the photograph. However, true discernment allows us to step back and question whether we are simply following the crowd or genuinely pursuing what is right. This is especially relevant in today's world, where social media and other platforms bombard us with curated images and opinions, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and shame.

To cultivate discernment, we must be willing to appoint a "devil's advocate" in our lives, someone who challenges our assumptions and helps us see different perspectives. This practice, rooted in historical traditions, encourages us to understand those we disagree with, fostering empathy and reconciliation. Jesus exemplified this approach, engaging with those marginalized by society and seeing them as individuals rather than stereotypes.

Today, let us ask God for the courage to seek truth, to let go of our ego, and to embrace discernment in our daily lives. By doing so, we open ourselves to transformation and the possibility of living more authentically and compassionately.

Key Takeaways:

- Discernment is a commitment to truth and requires questioning our own biases. It is essential for navigating a world filled with false messages and distinguishing between good and best. [01:16]

- The image of the lone man refusing to conform serves as a powerful reminder of the courage needed to resist societal pressures and remain true to one's convictions. [06:35]

- Social media often presents curated images that can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Discernment helps us see beyond these false messages and make authentic choices. [05:04]

- Appointing a "devil's advocate" in our lives encourages us to challenge our assumptions and understand different perspectives, fostering empathy and reconciliation. [08:17]

- Jesus exemplified discernment by engaging with marginalized individuals and seeing them as people rather than stereotypes, teaching us the importance of empathy and understanding. [10:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - The Power of a Single Act of Defiance
- [00:48] - The Inevitability of Change
- [01:00] - Understanding Discernment
- [01:31] - The Six Primary Virtues
- [02:00] - Discernment in a World of False Messages
- [02:41] - Paul's Teachings on Discernment
- [03:22] - Personal Reflection on Judgment
- [04:34] - The Influence of Social Media
- [05:37] - Resisting Conformity
- [06:06] - The Iconic Image of Defiance
- [07:33] - Obeying God Rather Than Man
- [08:17] - The Role of the Devil's Advocate
- [09:01] - Overcoming My Side Bias
- [10:57] - Jesus' Example of Empathy and Understanding
- [12:15] - Invitation to Seek Truth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 1:10 - "I pray that you may have more knowledge and depth of insight so that you can discern what is best."
2. Romans 1:18 - "The wrath of God is being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness."
3. Acts 5:29 - "We must obey God rather than men."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does the image of the lone man refusing to give the Nazi salute symbolize in the context of discernment and judgment? [06:35]

2. How does the sermon describe the role of social media in shaping our perceptions and decisions? [05:04]

3. What is the significance of appointing a "devil's advocate" in our lives according to the sermon? [08:17]

4. How does the sermon illustrate Jesus' approach to discernment and empathy? [10:57]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. In Philippians 1:10, Paul prays for discernment to distinguish what is best. How does this align with the sermon's emphasis on choosing between good and best? [02:12]

2. Romans 1:18 speaks about suppressing the truth by wickedness. How does the sermon relate this to personal biases and ego? [03:05]

3. Acts 5:29 emphasizes obeying God rather than men. How does the sermon use this verse to illustrate the courage needed to resist societal pressures? [07:33]

4. The sermon mentions the "my side bias." How does this concept challenge our understanding of discernment and judgment? [09:01]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you ensure that your judgment was based on truth rather than personal bias? [01:16]

2. Social media often presents curated images that can lead to feelings of inadequacy. How can you practice discernment to see beyond these false messages in your daily life? [05:04]

3. Identify a person in your life who challenges your beliefs. How can you appoint them as a "devil's advocate" to help you see different perspectives? [08:17]

4. Jesus engaged with marginalized individuals with empathy and understanding. How can you apply this approach in your interactions with others this week? [10:57]

5. Think of a situation where you felt pressured to conform. How can you draw courage from the image of the lone man to stay true to your convictions? [06:35]

6. The sermon encourages seeking truth and letting go of ego. What practical steps can you take to humble yourself and pursue truth in your daily decisions? [08:01]

7. Consider a belief or opinion you hold strongly. How can you genuinely seek to understand the opposing viewpoint this week? [10:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Discernment as a Commitment to Truth
Discernment is a vital skill that involves a deep commitment to truth and a willingness to question our own biases. It is not merely a mystical intuition but a character strength that falls under the virtue of knowledge. In a world filled with false messages, discernment helps us navigate through the noise and distinguish not just between good and bad, but between good and best. This requires a humble submission to truth, even when it challenges our ego. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Philippians and Romans, emphasizes the importance of discernment in making choices that align with our values and beliefs. [01:16]

"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one belief or assumption you hold that you can question today to seek a deeper truth?


Day 2: Courage to Resist Societal Pressures
The image of the lone man refusing to conform by not giving the Nazi salute serves as a powerful reminder of the courage needed to resist societal pressures and remain true to one's convictions. Every day, we are faced with choices that shape who we become, and the quality of our judgment plays a crucial role in these decisions. It takes immense courage to stand firm in our beliefs, especially when they go against the grain of societal norms. This courage is essential for living authentically and making choices that reflect our true values. [06:35]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you feeling pressured to conform, and how can you stand firm in your convictions today?


Day 3: Seeing Beyond Curated Images
Social media often presents curated images and opinions that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame. Discernment helps us see beyond these false messages and make authentic choices. By questioning the narratives presented to us, we can avoid the trap of comparison and instead focus on what truly matters. This practice allows us to live more authentically and make decisions that align with our values, rather than being swayed by external influences. [05:04]

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice discernment today in your consumption of social media or other media sources?


Day 4: Embracing Different Perspectives
Appointing a "devil's advocate" in our lives encourages us to challenge our assumptions and understand different perspectives. This practice, rooted in historical traditions, fosters empathy and reconciliation by helping us see beyond our own biases. By engaging with those we disagree with, we can cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse viewpoints. This approach not only enriches our own perspective but also promotes a more compassionate and empathetic way of living. [08:17]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to challenge your assumptions today, and how can you engage with them to gain a new perspective?


Day 5: Jesus' Example of Empathy and Understanding
Jesus exemplified discernment by engaging with marginalized individuals and seeing them as people rather than stereotypes. His approach teaches us the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. By looking beyond labels and stereotypes, we can see the humanity in each person and respond with compassion and love. This practice not only transforms our relationships but also allows us to live more authentically and in alignment with our values. [10:57]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice empathy today by seeing someone in your life as an individual rather than a stereotype?

Quotes


Discernment is not some kind of magical mysterious intuition; it's the ability to think critically. Really, it's a deep devotion to the truth and a humble submission to want to know and always follow the truth. It's connected to all of the other character strengths we're looking at, 24 of them. [00:58:22]

Paul writes to the Church of Philippi, chapter 1, verse 10, he says, I pray that you may have bound more knowledge and depth of insight so that you can discern what is best. It shouldn't be hard to discern what's really bad from what's wonderful, but what's best among other good options, that can be difficult for us. [02:07:44]

We live in a world that sends us so many false messages, and that's why, for example, when Paul writes to the Church of Philippi, chapter 1, verse 10, he says, I pray that you may have bound more knowledge and depth of insight so that you can discern what is best. [02:25:04]

I allowed that to prevent me from simply trying to think clearly and pursue the truth. I was suppressing the truth by my wickedness. Now, that language sounds a little bit loaded to us, so we don't tend to use it, but that's exactly what was going on. [04:00:29]

We are bombarded with false messages, for example, on social media. Somebody was saying when you look at folks at Facebook or on Instagram, you are comparing their highlight to your blooper reel. And Brene Brown said that in our world, trying to ignore social media messages is like trying to avoid air pollution by holding your breath. [04:34:44]

Discernment, critical judgment, is that which allows me to step back and say, do I really just want to be like everybody else is? There is a remarkable picture, and I think we may be able to pull this one up as well. It was taken in 1936 in a German dockyard where there was shipbuilding going on. [05:47:38]

Ask God, God, would you give me a deep devotion to want to know the truth, to humble myself enough to let go of my own ego, which will otherwise always darken my foolish heart and keep me from thinking accurately. In particular, you might think about this: appointing a devil's advocate. [07:48:00]

They would appoint an Advocates Diaboli, a devil's advocate, who would generate reasons why this person ought not to be canonized because they realized only if we give very serious consideration to the other side will we be able to be most likely to discover the truth and to decide wisely. [08:28:62]

The need for that is so great in our day. Researchers talk a lot about what they call the my side bias. I want my side to be right, to be superior. I identify with it. The my side bias is as old as Cain and Abel, and that was Cain's thought. I want my sacrifice, my religious behavior, my life to be the good one. [08:53:82]

Instead, I appointed Devil's Advocate today. Think of a position you disagree with. Think of a person that you not only disagree with, you don't like them. It might be politically, might be religiously, and sincerely take 60 seconds, two minutes to generate honest reasons why they might believe, think, live the way that they do. [09:50:12]

Jesus was like a magnet. This tax collector, that prostitute, this Canaanite woman, that despised Roman Centurion, this multiple married and divorced Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus was like, I get you, I'd get you. So today, it's Devil's Advocate day. It's Judgment Day. [11:00:00]

Today, instead of listening to those sources that you usually listen to, the way that cable channels, online sources often work is it's about money. Money is about ratings or views that gets garnered by giving my particular audience what they want. What they want is the my side bias for us to feel spirit. [11:20:42]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 04, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?