Pray For Discernment

The Amish are often misunderstood as being "anti-technology." In reality, they engage in a practice of communal discernment. When a new technology, such as a hay baler or a telephone, is introduced, the community does not simply ask, "Does it work?" Instead, they consider the more profound question, "Will this bring us together or pull us apart?" They have decided to reject certain technologies when they recognized that the supposed "efficiency" would jeopardize the community's relational fabric.

As it pertains to our relationship with God, discernment works similarly. Discernment involves asking a deeper question: How will this choice impact my relationship with God and others? To be on the right side of that question, we need to go to God and His Word for discernment.

Think of it this way: Alongside asking God for wisdom, praying for discernment is a highly effective petition. Psalm 119:66, "Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on your commands."

Good judgment and discernment are indispensable tools in your life. There are two main reasons why discernment is important: 1) We are constantly faced with numerous decisions, and a lack of discernment can lead to costly mistakes. One wrong choice, a misstep, or trusting a disingenuous person can set you back months, if not years. 2)There is an overwhelming amount of fake news, misleading narratives, and questionable ideologies in circulation. Given these realities, having discernment is essential. Even your political party or affiliation should be vetted against the discernment of God's counsel.
While teaching the people about the promise of His guiding and protection of them, Jesus used the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep:

John 10:1-6, “ 'Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.' 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them."

In the first part of John 10, Jesus emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing the right shepherd to follow. Similarly, we need to develop a discernment that aligns with God's will, not only in spiritual matters but also in our relationships, emotions, and finances. Going to God for discernment will yield the blessing of a sound mind and help you make decisions with God's peace.