Developing Discernment Skills to Strengthen Our Spiritual Journey
In our pursuit of personal growth and spiritual development, it is vital to navigate the complexities of our thoughts and distinguish between the influences of the Adversary and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Let us delve into the key insights and tools that can assist us in this sacred endeavor.
First, it is crucial to understand that evil does not originate from humanity but rather from Satan himself.
This profound truth counters prevailing beliefs, frequently reinforced by the limited perspective of the academic world, that attribute the source of evil solely to human nature.
By recognizing this, we can free ourselves from misplaced blame and take the responsibility for healing and growth that is under our control.
To discern the Holy Ghost’s influence, we must be attuned to moments when we feel uplifted, inspired, and guided beyond our usual state of being.
These experiences offer glimpses of a higher way of living and hold the promise that we can become more compassionate, charitable, and noble individuals. It is essential to embrace these opportunities for personal growth and aspire to embody these virtues in our daily lives.
On the other hand, it is crucial to recognize the Intrusive Thoughts sent by Satan.
These thoughts seek to deceive, distract, and lead us astray from our Divine Potential. By understanding that Intrusive Thoughts do not originate from our true selves, our spirit beings who lived before we came to this earth, we can reject their influence and protect our spiritual well-being.
Recognizing the distinction between our own thoughts and those originating from Satan requires developing discernment skills.
One powerful tool is the Chemical Scale, which enables us to evaluate our emotions and trace them back to their originating thoughts. By identifying emotional issues that arise at the 2.9 level, we can pinpoint the specific thoughts sent by Satan. This practice empowers us to reject these negative influences and safeguard our spiritual progress.
As we cultivate discernment, we must remember that our automated processes, though not representative of our true selves, are still our responsibility. Automated processes in the human brain include things like habits, muscle memory, and unintentional thinking patterns.
When we discover automated processes, we should work diligently to refine and improve these patterns of thinking and behavior, understanding that they do not define us but require our attention and effort to align them with our true identity.
To navigate the complexities of our thoughts effectively, we need practice and patience.
Discernment is a skill that develops over time, and it is essential to remain steadfast in our efforts to separate the influences of the Adversary from the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Through diligent practice, we can strengthen our ability to discern the subtle shifts in our thoughts, emotions, and intentions.
Ultimately, our spiritual discernment is a sacred journey that requires humility, faith, and reliance on the Savior. By recognizing the origin of evil, embracing Divine inspiration, and developing discernment skills, we can align ourselves more fully with God’s will and purpose for our lives.
As we engage in this transformative process, may we find solace and guidance in the inspired teachings of Church leaders, like President Russell M. Nelson, who reminds us of the reality of the Adversary and encourages us to take his influence seriously.
In conclusion, let us commit to nurturing our spiritual discernment, seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and developing the skills necessary to recognize and reject the influence of the Adversary. Through this journey, we can draw closer to our Heavenly Father, strengthen our testimonies, and fulfill our divine potential as disciples of Jesus Christ.
