THE MASTER KEY
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Exodus 3:1-6,9-12
Psalm 103:1-4,6-7
Matthew 11:25-27
What is the master key? I know you will say a prayer. Allow me to change your mind. Have you ever made a bad decision, or been led to think that something that was actually bad was good? Perhaps it was a relationship that held a lot of promise, and you threw yourself into it without caution or thinking, only for it to turn sour faster than soup that you forgot to warm after a day. What do you think went wrong? Why did you make a poor decision? The answer is one word—' discernment.’
In the Christian context, discernment is the process of discovering God's will for one's life, particularly in making major decisions or choosing a vocation. It involves careful reflection, prayer, and seeking guidance from spiritual mentors, scripture, and the Church. Discernment is not a quick process, but rather a journey of self-discovery and growth in faith. This last bit about the process is what pisses most people off. We have fast food, fast internet (maybe not in Nigeria, sha), and then we have the slow process of discernment; much like slow traffic, which can be so annoying. But would you rather rush into life-changing decisions and rush out or take your time and get it right?
What then is the best way to discern?
Give it time — Don’t be in a hurry.
Ask questions — Find out all you can about a person or vocation you wish to enter.
Do not dwell on past mistakes — You may not get it right the first time, so do not flog yourself.
Heal properly before relaunching — Do not rush back into activity after a failed attempt. Calm down, breathe and wait for the right opportunity.
Think before you act — Do not be carried away by emotions. It will not end well.
Pray before every major decision — In fact, pray all the time and allow God to speak sense to you.
When in doubt, act and take responsibility — 'Dis wan is hard sha’ but it is necessary.
Do not act irresponsibly — You owe yourself the duty to think about the possible outcomes of your actions and take calculated risks.
Seek spiritual direction — Go to persons who can mentor you in your chosen vocation; never presume you know everything. That is the beginning of a disaster.
Be honest — with yourself and with others.
Seek silence — Noise is a threat to mental health and proper discernment.
Consider an annual retreat — Go away once in a while and connect with God in silence.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
May your day be richly blessed and filled with joy, wisdom and grace. Amen.
May God grant you wisdom and discernment to guide your choices and decisions.
May God reveal His loving plan and direction for your life as He did for Moses.
May His blessings enrich you and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22).
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