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.'