Intro Video 1 Why Discernment is Spiritual

Summary

The video script delves into the profound spiritual significance of decision-making within the family context, emphasizing the concept of discernment as a crucial process for aligning choices with personal values and beliefs. It explains how discernment, derived from the Latin word 'Des,' involves seeking divine guidance to make choices that contribute to the family's narrative and individual growth. Highlighting the impact of decisions on forming habits and identities, the script underscores that family decisions are not merely logistical but move the family closer to or further from spiritual goals. It also draws parallels between family and business dynamics, stressing the importance of balancing individual and collective wellbeing through discernment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discernment is the spiritual practice of carefully considering choices to align with values and beliefs
• 🤔 Decisions shape who we become based on the actions we repeatedly take over time
• 💡 Family decisions require balancing what's best for each individual and the collective good of all
• 🔍 Reflect deeply before making important choices that can influence your family's path
• 🙏 Seek divine guidance when discerning as a family to align with God's will
• ❤️ Consider how potential decisions may impact each family member's well-being and identity
• 🚦 Family decisions are not just logistical, they move you closer to or further from heaven
• 🔎 The concept of discernment comes from the Latin word meaning 'to separate' or 'distinguish'
• ✂️ Decisions 'cut away' options to move towards a particular choice or outcome
• 💬 Upcoming video will explain the difference between decision making and problem solving

Q & A

What is the meaning of the word 'discernment' and why is it important for families?

Discernment comes from the Latin word meaning 'to separate or distinguish'. It involves aligning choices with personal values and beliefs. It is important for families because every decision a family makes contributes to its members' growth and influences their identities.

How do decisions impact who we become over time?

Decisions shape our habits and actions. Aristotle said human beings are habitual animals. Over time, if we make virtuous decisions, we become more virtuous people. If we make lazy choices, we become lazier.

Why must families balance personal desires with the collective good?

Family decisions affect all members. What one person wants may not serve the whole family best. Good family discernment considers each member's wellbeing but keeps the focus on the family's common good.

What did the speaker mean by saying families should move closer to or further from heaven?

He meant that through discernment and decision-making, families shape their ultimate eternal outcomes. Their choices bring them metaphorically closer to or further from heaven.

What is the difference between decision making and problem solving?

The speaker said he would explain the difference in a later video, implying there is an important distinction. We do not have the details yet from this transcript.

Why did the speaker compare families to businesses?

He drew a parallel - just as business leaders balance care for individuals and the whole team's common good, families must consider each member but focus first on the family's collective wellbeing.

What are some examples of family decisions requiring discernment?

The speaker mentioned choices around leisure activities and education. Other examples could include parenting approaches, division of household responsibilities, finances, healthcare, etc.

What did the speaker mean by families not being mere 'logistical moves'?

He meant families are not just carrying out practical tasks and transactions like a delivery company. The choices families make have deeper spiritual significance and long-term impacts.

Why is discernment described as a 'spiritual' process?

Seeking divine guidance to align with God's will makes discernment spiritual. It connects decision-making to personal beliefs, values and ultimate purpose.

What are some practices or steps families can take to improve discernment?

The transcript did not specify particular steps. But based on the themes, families could: reflect deeply, discuss beliefs and values, consider collective good, balance perspectives, pray or meditate.