Uncommen: TransformedSample

Discernment

Discernment is a habit, and like any habit, good or bad, it will permeate our lives. Sensing God'sGod's movements is a lot like floating down the river. We cannot dictate the current flow, but we can control our alert to the ride elements. It may be a slow and savoring pace or the rushing rapids of life. Discernment allows us to be aware of the ride's dynamics to the next destination enabling us to move with His promises and carry the current to the next destination.

Inner Dynamics

• Consolation
  • Consolation is the heart's interior movement that gives us a deep sense of life-giving connection with God, others, and our most authentic self in God. It is the sense that profoundly, all is right with the world.
• Desolation
  • Desolation is the loss of the sense of God'sGod's presence. Feeling out of touch with our authentic self, God and others. In desolation, we feel off-center, full of turmoil, confusion, and maybe a bit of rebellion.
  • Jesus is the way. Paying attention to the hidden inner dynamics helps guide our life more vigilantly to choose which life is for us for Him. Even when painful, discernment can speak to you about your life and the importance of being more thoughtful and intentional about choosing life more consistently.

God's will is for us to pursue that which gives us life and turn from the things that drain and debilitate us. Small decisions and significant decisions that require us to choose between equally good options need us to have the ability to notice, which brings the most incredible sense of life and freedom. "If anyone destroys God'sGod's temple, God will destroy that person; for God'sGod's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:17)

When we are called upon to make significant decisions, this guidance keeps us in touch with the most trustworthy leader. We can make life-giving choices filled with understanding and awareness to recognize and respond to God'sGod's presence. We remain connected to the vine for purposes more significant than we can do ourselves and not consumed by self-interest through spiritual habit and practice.

We had a more profound sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. But, especially as we reach adulthood without a deeper understanding of purpose, disillusionment can settle into cynicism, bitterness, emotional detachment, the anthesis of energy, passion, and hope essential to the Christian life.

It is our deepest calling to live as authentically as Christ. The practice of discernment means we must believe the Holy Spirit is in the midst of each daily experience. When listening to consolation and desolation, the heart begins to reveal your desires or desperations, needs, struggles, despair, barrenness in routines or relationships, concerns with lack of motivation, and the things not working in your life.

Uncommen Questions:

1. What are two things you think you will change moving forward?
2. Are you willing and able to hear and respond to the Holy Spirit?

Uncommen Challenge:

Establish some core values, and create a plan to discover how sticking to core values will help you move toward your God-given purpose and be more UNCOMMEN?