To my fellow Christians:
For us in the United States, November 5, 2024, has been described as one of the most important dates in our history. Why? It is Election Day. Elections will take place at the federal, state, and local level; deciding many races that may influence policies around the country. By far the most important and most watched races is the national election for President of the United States. For a variety of reasons, political, social, economic, or financial, all elections for President have significance. The importance to those issues depends on the individual voter. In most cases, the questions raised, and the answers received, determine whom we cast our votes for. If you vote based on your party affiliation, that is easy, right? For those who are selective in that voting process, I would argue that the one thing used is ~ Discernment.
How do you describe the idea of “discernment?” In its simplicity, it was once described to me as this ? “Make it make sense!” We get that, right? If you say something, show me something, answer a question; I need for you to “make it make sense” to me. Now, it ‘s not about like vs. dislike or agree vs. disagree. I need to be able to follow your thought process, based on your own experiences, history, and education, and walk me through it. To me, that is the use of discernment.
Let me share some additional thoughts on discernment.
“One of several definitions of discernment is to intellectually perceive or interpret a situation by our senses to give the situation meaning. The question is, ‘are there tools we can employ to better discern situations?’ The answer is yes and let me offer some suggestions.”
“The first suggestion is that we can review a situation through empirical data such as recorded history or Scripture. If you discern a situation through empirical data and act accordingly, your decisions will have a foundational basis.”
“The second suggestion is that we can also discern situations through tradition or reason. For example, we have upcoming national elections, and we must discern how we will cast our vote. We can decide by tradition. For example, we can say ‘I have always voted this way, and I am going to continue to vote this way. The plans or platform of my traditional source does not matter to me, I am going to vote my traditional way.’”
“Finally, we can discern our electoral choice through reason. For example, we can decide to eschew tradition and say, ‘Although I have always voted this way, my traditional party has a platform that does not align with my values, and reasoning leads me to cast my vote in a different manner.”
“Empirical data, tradition, or reason are ways to discern, or evaluate our response to situations. We can also use a much simpler methos to discern situations; one many of us learned growing up under the influence of our wise grandmothers! In my case, Granny always said to ‘Follow my little mind.’ In other words, Granny believed that more often than not, your first thought, your little mind, is correct more often than not. If we think about taking tests, the first answer that comes to mind is normally the correct one. We often get the wrong answer when we change our first answer.”
“This idea of following your little mind may seem foolish, but there is empirical, as well as psychological evidence, to support the notion of listening to your little mind. Psychologists and Sociologists discuss the importance of listening to your ‘hunches.’ Hunches and our ‘little mind’ are synonymous. As human beings, we have a cerebral cortex which allows us to think and change our minds from our original thinking. In contrast, in the animal kingdom, most lower-class animals do not have a cerebral cortex and react purely on instinct. These animals have survived many millennia following their instinctual behavior. Therefore, if we discern, or interpret situations through your little mind or hunches, you will be on solid ground.”
~ Pastor Wallace Scott, Anglican Church, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Here is what the Bible says about discernment, according to www.gotquestions.org,
“The word discern and its derivatives are translations of the Greek word anakrino in the New Testament. It means “to distinguish, to separate out by diligent search, to examine.” Discernment is the ability to properly discriminate or make determinations. It is related to wisdom. The Word of God itself is said to discern the thoughts and intentions of one’s heart (Hebrews 4:12).”
“A discerning mind demonstrates wisdom and insight that go beyond what is seen and heard. For example, God’s Word is “spiritually discerned.” To the human mind without the Spirit, the things of God are “foolishness” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Spirit, then, gives us spiritual discernment.”
This is where discernment is the most important and potentially the most dangerous; idolatry. During the political season, candidates distribute advertising campaign messages, travel around to visit with and speak to constituents and give campaign speeches. The candidates can be sensationalizing and inspiring; drawing our support and admiration. The question is ~ do we give too much power and prestige to our political candidates? Do we put them on the proverbial pedestal? Does our backing of a candidate become an unhealthy reverence? As Christians, we must stay aware of our mindset, words, and actions as it relates to idolatry of political candidates. Choosing a candidate based on certain policies, effects on healthcare, education, and the economy are important factors. Let us be certain that we keep “man” in proper perspective. Scripture tell us, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” ~ Colossians 3:5. In the end, it is GOD who is in control!
Let me give you an example from the business world. I spent 30 years of my career in Corporate America. For every opportunity, and more specifically every role with greater responsibility, my background, education, and experience were factors in the decision-making process. At one point, as a member of the organization’s leadership team, I was included in the investigation process for the hiring of our new CEO. Some of the questions surrounded the future CEO’s characteristics, fundamental views on the importance of certain skills, leadership style, and beliefs in DEI.
In my experience and research, if an individual wanted to advance to the role of CEO of a corporation, a snapshot of the major qualifications would include:
? Education ~ pursue formal academic qualifications; BA/BS or MBA
? Expertise ~ significant work experience; specifically related to the organization & industry.
? Knowledge ~ education in a variety of business concepts (service, customer relations, human resources, legal, finance, accounting, economics, sales, and marketing)
? Leadership ~ skills including creativity, communication, decision making, critical thinking, negotiation, time management, and risk analysis.
So … if you are an employee of a company or a member of the management/leadership team, would you want/expect that the search for your new Chief Executive include the above? Would you expect the search firm, the leadership, and the Board of Directors to “properly discriminate or make determinations” to make the best decision. I certainly would.
The job of the President of the United States of America; is this not the ultimate Chief Executive Officer? The role as the leader of the greatest nation in the free world. I ask you ~ what experience, character traits, education, and leadership skills would you expect that individual to possess? Would you need to use your sense of discernment to draw conclusions and decide?
“As we prepare to decide who to vote for in the upcoming election, it is important that we not get fooled by commentaries, pundits, false narratives, or media preferences. We, as Christians are challenged to discern the spirit of individuals to see whether they are of God or something else.” John, in the New Testament, wrote, “Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits to see if they are of God; for many false prophet have gone out into the world.” ~1 John 4:1
“So, how do we do discern? We discern by making sure we know the spirit of someone. Somebody once told me that “what you do is what you are.” If you want to know what someone’s spirit is like, make sure you are paying attention to what they do and what they have done. Go beyond hearsay. Find the information for yourself. For this matter is not just physical, but spiritual.”
~Pastor Curlee Adams, Saint Paul CME Church of Chicago
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, take some time and go into prayer. It is not about political party, Democrats or Republicans. It is not about blue states or red states. It is not about financial status. It is not about socio-economic prowess. It is not about race, age, gender, color, national origin, religion, or disability. As Christians, we should be reminded of the words in Proverbs, “When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.” ~Proverbs 28:12. Use your discernment in all you do; certainly, as you go out to exercise your opportunity and privilege to vote.
Author J. W. Lee
Galilean Ministries
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