Solomon’s Gift – Discernment
Quote
True discretion is only secured by true humility. And of this humility the first proof is given by reserving everything (not only what you do but also what you think), for the scrutiny of the elders, so as not to trust at all in your own judgment but to acquiesce in their decisions in all points, and to acknowledge what ought to be considered good or bad by their traditions. And this habit will not only teach a young man to walk in the right path through the true way of discretion, but will also keep him unhurt by all the crafts and deceits of the enemy. For a man cannot possibly be deceived, who lives not by his own judgment but according to the example of the elders, nor will our crafty foe be able to abuse the ignorance of one who is not accustomed from false modesty to conceal all the thoughts which rise in his heart, but either checks them or suffers them to remain, in accordance with the ripened judgment of the elders. For a wrong thought is enfeebled at the moment that it is discovered: and even before the sentence of discretion has been given, the foul serpent is by the power of confession dragged out, so to speak, from his dark under-ground cavern, and in some sense shown up and sent away in disgrace
St John Cassian, the Conferences
Challenge
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful” – recite this verse as often as is possible and see if this changes how you think and behave.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
You know our weaknesses and what hinders us from coming close to You. Please help us to empty ourselves before You so that we may be clothed with humility. When we kneel before You in prayer and pour our hearts out to You, help us to remember the request of Solomon who asked for wisdom. When there is so much else on our minds, may this remain at the forefront so that our ultimate aim is to please You, before we please anyone else. You are ever-patient and ever-kind to the flaws of our human nature, but please reveal to us all our deepest desires. Empty us of all our hidden weakness so that we may be clothed in humility with Your strength.