4 Helpful Rules for Discernment

Summary

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the anxiety surrounding decision-making and the common tendency to seek divine guidance. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's will with God's, as in the prayer 'Thy will be done.' Schmitz suggests that God often expects individuals to use their intellect and will to make decisions, offering a framework of four questions to discern whether a choice is good, open, wise, and desired. He encourages taking responsibility for decisions, acknowledging that even if one errs, God's presence and guidance remain.

Takeaways

• 😌 **Seeking God's Will**: Father Mike emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in making decisions, especially for significant life choices.
• 🙏 **Prayerful Submission**: He suggests that praying 'Thy will be done' is central to being a saint and aligns with surrendering one's will to God.
• 🤔 **Desire for Relief**: Father Mike points out that sometimes people seek God's will not just to follow it, but also to find relief from the responsibility of decision-making.
• 🧠 **Using Intellect and Will**: He encourages the use of one's intellect and will to discern God's will, as God has given humans wisdom and free will.
• 🚪 **Four Doors to Discernment**: Father Mike introduces a framework of four questions to discern God's will, which he metaphorically describes as four doors.
• 🔐 **First Door - Goodness**: The first question to ask is whether the decision is a 'good door', meaning it aligns with God's teachings and moral standards.
• 🔑 **Second Door - Openness**: The second question is about the 'open door', assessing if the decision is a viable and accessible option for the individual.
• 🧐 **Third Door - Wisdom**: The third question pertains to 'wisdom', evaluating if the decision is a prudent choice based on one's personal circumstances and goals.
• ❤️ **Fourth Door - Desire**: The final question is about personal 'desire', acknowledging that even if a decision is good, open, and wise, one must also genuinely want to make that choice.
• 💪 **Taking Responsibility**: Father Mike stresses the importance of taking responsibility for one's decisions, which is a hallmark of maturity.
• 🙏 **God's Presence in Choices**: He reassures that God's presence and guidance are with individuals regardless of the choices they make, and there's always a way to get back on track.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Father Mike Schmitz's discussion in the script?

The main theme is about making decisions, particularly significant life choices, and discerning God's will in those decisions.

Why does Father Mike Schmitz suggest that asking God for guidance is a good thing?

Asking God for guidance is a good thing because it signifies a desire to follow God's will over one's own, demonstrating humility and a willingness to submit to a higher purpose.

What does Father Mike Schmitz say about the idea that God might not always explicitly tell us what to do?

Father Mike Schmitz suggests that God often expects us to make decisions ourselves, using the wisdom, intellect, and will that He has given us, unless He has clearly indicated otherwise.

According to the script, what are the four questions Father Mike Schmitz recommends asking when discerning a decision?

The four questions are: 1) Is this a good door? 2) Is this an open door? 3) Is this a wise door? 4) Is this a door that I want?

What does Father Mike Schmitz mean by 'good door' in the context of decision-making?

A 'good door' refers to a decision or path that aligns with moral principles and does not contradict God's teachings.

How does Father Mike Schmitz define an 'open door' in the decision-making process?

An 'open door' is a decision or path that is realistically possible and available to the individual, not blocked by external circumstances or clear divine disapproval.

What does Father Mike Schmitz suggest when considering whether a decision is 'wise'?

When considering if a decision is 'wise,' one should reflect on their past, present self, and aspirations, as well as the alignment with their understanding of God's calling.

Why is the question 'Is this a door that I want?' significant in Father Mike Schmitz's approach to decision-making?

This question is significant because it acknowledges the individual's agency and the importance of personal desire and fulfillment in the decision-making process, provided the decision is good, open, and wise.

What does Father Mike Schmitz emphasize about taking responsibility for one's decisions?

Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes that taking responsibility for one's decisions is a mark of adulthood and maturity, and even if a wrong decision is made, God's presence and guidance remain available.

How does Father Mike Schmitz relate the concept of discerning God's will to the idea of being a saint?

Father Mike Schmitz relates discerning God's will to being a saint by stating that a saint is someone who prioritizes God's will over their own, which is central to the concept of 'Thy will be done.'

Outlines

00:00

🙏 Seeking God's Will in Decision Making

Father Mike Schmitz begins by addressing the anxiety many people feel when faced with making significant decisions. He suggests that entrusting the decision-making process to God is a positive approach, as it reflects a desire to follow God's will over one's own. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, particularly the phrase 'Thy will be done,' which is central to sainthood. Father Mike also introduces the idea that discerning God's will often involves personal responsibility, as God has given humans free will, wisdom, and intellect to make decisions. He proposes a method of discernment involving four questions to evaluate whether a decision aligns with God's will, considering whether the 'door' or option is good, open, wise, and desired.

05:01

🧠 The Role of Personal Responsibility in Decision Making

In the second paragraph, Father Mike Schmitz delves deeper into the concept of personal responsibility in decision making. He suggests that God often allows individuals the freedom to choose among various options, promising to be present regardless of the choice. He uses examples such as marriage, dating, education, and career to illustrate how one should consider whether the options are good, open, wise, and desired. Father Mike encourages taking responsibility for one's decisions, even if they might be wrong, as God will provide a way to correct the path. He concludes by reminding viewers of the importance of adulthood, which includes making decisions and being accountable for them, and invites them to engage with the content by liking, subscribing, and sharing their thoughts.

Keywords

💡Anxiety

Anxiety refers to a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. In the video, Father Mike Schmitz discusses how individuals often experience anxiety when faced with significant decisions, such as choosing a college or a life partner. The script illustrates this by mentioning the common phrase, 'Well God, you tell me what to do,' which reflects a desire to alleviate the anxiety of decision-making by seeking divine guidance.

💡God's Will

God's Will refers to the divine plan or intention that is believed to guide the universe and the lives of individuals. The video emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in making decisions, as it is central to the Christian faith. Father Mike Schmitz suggests that praying 'Thy will be done' is a fundamental aspect of being a saint, indicating a surrender of personal will to align with divine intentions.

💡Decision-Making

Decision-Making is the process of choosing a course of action among various alternatives. The video script discusses the challenges of decision-making, particularly when it comes to life-altering choices. Father Mike Schmitz encourages viewers to consider whether a decision aligns with God's will, is feasible, wise, and desired, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in the decision-making process.

💡Freedom

Freedom, in the context of the video, refers to the autonomy and liberty granted by God to individuals to make their own choices. Father Mike Schmitz points out that God has given humans wisdom, intellect, and will, and expects them to use these faculties in making decisions. This concept is integral to understanding the video's message about the balance between divine guidance and personal agency.

💡Wisdom

Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. In the video, wisdom is mentioned as a gift from God that individuals should use when making decisions. Father Mike Schmitz advises viewers to consider whether a decision is wise, taking into account their past, present, and future aspirations, as well as their understanding of God's calling.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility implies the state of being accountable for one's actions or decisions. The video script underscores the concept of taking responsibility for one's decisions as a mark of adulthood and maturity. Father Mike Schmitz encourages viewers to not only seek God's will but also to take ownership of their choices, recognizing that even if a decision is wrong, God's grace is available to guide them back.

💡Discernment

Discernment is the process of carefully and thoughtfully making a decision or coming to a conclusion. In the video, discernment is presented as a methodical approach to understanding God's will, involving asking four questions about a decision: whether it is good, open, wise, and desired. This process is central to the video's theme of navigating life's choices with spiritual guidance.

💡Saint

A saint, in Christian theology, is a person who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of holiness and closeness to God. The video references saints as individuals who have fully surrendered to God's will, saying 'God, thy will be done,' which contrasts with the idea of those in hell who have chosen their own will over God's.

💡Seminary

A seminary is a school for theological education and preparation for religious ministry. In the video, Father Mike Schmitz uses the example of applying to a seminary as a scenario where one might seek to discern God's will. It serves as an illustration of a significant life decision where one might need to evaluate whether it is a good, open, wise, and desired path.

💡Conviction

Conviction in the video refers to a strong belief or persuasion that something is true or right, often in a moral or religious context. Father Mike Schmitz mentions that if God has placed a conviction in one's heart about a decision, such as attending a seminary, it can be a clear sign of God's will, guiding the individual towards a particular path.

💡Intellect

Intellect refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and thinking. The video emphasizes the importance of using one's intellect in the decision-making process, alongside prayer and discernment. Father Mike Schmitz suggests that God has endowed humans with intellect to be used in conjunction with divine guidance to make informed and thoughtful choices.

Highlights

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the anxiety many people feel when making decisions, especially big ones.

He suggests that asking God for guidance is a good thing, as it shows a desire for God's will over one's own.

Father Mike references C.S. Lewis, emphasizing that saints seek God's will, while those in hell have their own will imposed on them.

The idea that God may not always reveal His will directly is presented, suggesting that sometimes He expects us to make decisions ourselves.

God has given us wisdom, intellect, and free will, which we should use to make decisions.

Father Mike introduces the concept of 'four doors' or questions to discern God's will in decision-making.

The first question is whether the decision is a 'good door', meaning it aligns with God's teachings.

The second question is about whether the 'door' is open, i.e., if the decision is a viable option for the individual.

The third question involves assessing if the decision is a 'wise door', using personal knowledge and understanding.

The fourth and often challenging question is whether it is a 'door' or decision that the individual truly wants.

Father Mike emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's decisions as a mark of adulthood.

He reassures that even if a wrong decision is made, God will still be present and provide a way to get back on track.

The talk concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and engage with the content.

Transcripts

Hi, my name's Father Mike Schmitz and this is Ascension Presents.

So when it comes to making decisions, I think a lot of times, we have a lot of anxiety,

many people have a lot of anxiety when it comes to having to decide,

especially the big choices, the big decisions

and so a lot of times, what we end up doing is saying,

"Well God, you tell me what to do."

Now that's not a bad thing. That's a really good thing

because it's saying actually I want your will, God more than I want my will, God.

So you just tell me what to do

when it comes to where should I go to college,

when it comes to who should I marry

or should I go to the seminary or the convent

or all these kinds of things. God, you just tell me and I'll do it.

That's not a bad thing—it's a really good thing to say what I want to do God, is your will.

That's why we pray, "Thy will be done." It's kind of core to being a saint.

The saint is the person who says, "God, thy will be done,"

and the one in hell is the one to whom God says, "Your will be done."

That's from C.S. Lewis—I paraphrased that.

I remember reading a book—in a book. I read a book once

and it said that—the author wrote and he said when it comes to

trying to figure out God's will in our lives,

a lot of times we don't necessarily want to do God's will

as much as we want the relief from the responsibility of having to make a decision for ourselves,

because a lot of times, what God is counting on us to do is making the decision ourselves.

Unless God has actually stepped out and said, "This is what I want you to do,"

it seems like a lot of ways he says, "OK, just choose."

God has given us so much freedom. He's blessed us with so much.

He's given us wisdom and intellect.

He's given us a will and he wants us to use the intellect and he wants us to use the will

when it comes to a big decision.

So how do we do that?

First, if God has revealed something, it's already revealed, right?

So it's like, hey should I cheat on my wife or not? No, he said, Don't do that, so don't do that.

You know what I'm saying? Because that's clear enough.

Or if God has placed a truth like a conviction on your heart

when it comes to like, "Should I go to the seminary?"

but if he hasn't said either clearly don't do this or clearly do this,

you have to ask four questions. I like to look at these as like four doors.

And the first thing is—it's actually the same door, but you're asking four questions about the same door.

The first question is, Is this a good door?

Like this decision I have to make—is this a good door?

Is this something that God has said never go down, never open this door? It's not good.

Or is it a bad door?

So if it's a good door or even a neutral door, then it's a possibility.

If it's a bad door, then the door is off-limits, it's locked. I don't need to go in there.

Actually, that's the second question. Is not only is this a good door, is this an open door?

Is this an actual thing I could do? Is this a possibility or reality for me?

For example, I don't have to discern whether I should try out for the NBA or not,

like that, for me, is a closed door. It's a good fine door, neutral at least,

but I don't have to bang against this door because it is closed to me.

The same kind of thing when it comes to if someone were to say,

I applied to the seminary. I thought this was a good door. It is a good door.

And I applied and they said that I was declined from the seminary.

Like, OK, that means that at least right now, it's a closed door.

I don't have to continue to ask or bang against this door.

So, is it a good door? Is it an open door?

Third question: Is this a wise door?

Now, this is where things get a little more complicated.

You have to start using your brain and that brain has to ask the question:

OK, so knowing where I've been, knowing who I am right now and also knowing who I want to be,

who I believe God is calling me to be, would this be a wise door for me to open?

Would this be a wise door for me to walk through? Would this be a wise decision in my life?

Because you know you, right? You know the kind of person you are.

You also know who you are. You know your struggles, you know your strengths.

You also know the kind of person you want to be.

So knowing all those things,

would this be a wise door for you to walk down, to open up, to enter, to pass through, to decide?

Because, a lot of times, people say, "Well no, I just have to kind of sort of have to choose this."

Not necessarily.

Is this a good door? Is this an open door? Is this a wise door? Would this be good for you to go down?

Think about a relationship.

You might already know enough about this person

to know that it would not be a good idea for you to pursue a relationship with them.

Yeah, maybe it's good. Maybe it's open, like they're interested.

But it wouldn't be wise, right? It wouldn't actually get you to where you want to go.

It wouldn't necessarily help them get to where they want to go.

Is this a wise door?

And the fourth question and this is the one that people hate when I bring up but it's a real question.

Not only is this a good door, is this an open door, is this a wise door, but the big question is

if it is all those things, is this a door that I want?

Because if God has not revealed yet, that he's either said,

"No, don't go through this door," or "Yes, please. Absolutely go through this door,"

you actually get to choose.

Is this the door I actually want to go down or go through?

Is this a decision I want to make?

So, God has given us so much freedom, to use our minds, to use our wills.

I think, I believe a lot of times, he even opens up and says,

"No, any of these choices you can make. I will be there on the other side."

I think this is what it comes down to like, Should I marry this person or that person?

OK well, is this good? Open? Wise? And a door you want?

Is this a person you'd like to marry? But what about that person?

Well, who do you want?

Should I date this person or that person? Well, who do you want?

Should I go to this school or that school? Which one do you want to go to?

Should I major in this or in that?

OK, is all your majors, are they good? Are they open, available to you?

Are they wise, knowing yourself? And which one is the one you want to do?

Because we can't just keep dismissing and putting this off on God.

We have to actually make decisions and take responsibility.

One of the marks of adulthood, as I said in another video,

one of the marks of adulthood is taking responsibility for oneself, for one's decisions.

So, when you have to make a decision,

to go to this college or that, to take this major or that,

to date this person or that, to go to seminary or not,

all these kinds of things, take responsibility.

And even if you make the wrong decision after asking all those questions,

the Lord still will be with you and he always provides a way to get back on track.

From all of us here to Ascension Presents, my name is Father Mike.

God bless.

Hey, be sure to like and subscribe and all that kind of stuff

because that'd be cool.

It's, you know, thanks.