Rich Villodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship and author of 'The Deeply Formed Life', dives into discernment and spirituality. He discusses how to differentiate the voice of Jesus from societal influences in decision-making. Rich emphasizes that discernment is an ongoing process, vital for spiritual growth. He reframes indifference as constructive openness, essential for community building. The conversation highlights the transformative effects of discernment on identity and the importance of humility and community in one's spiritual journey.
Discernment involves recognizing and filtering out personal desires and external influences to align with God's will in everyday situations.
Regular practice of discernment fosters a deeper relationship with God and strengthens community through shared conversations and experiences.
Deep dives
Understanding Discernment
Discernment is defined as the process of distinguishing the voice of Jesus amidst various competing influences. It is not restricted to significant life decisions but applies to everyday situations, helping individuals identify what Jesus might be inviting them into. A key aspect of discernment is recognizing and filtering out personal desires, family expectations, cultural influences, and the deceptive voice of external forces. This understanding emphasizes that discernment leads to discovering and carrying out God's will, which involves action rather than mere reflection.
Competing Voices and Healthy Differentiation
Various competing voices can obstruct an individual's ability to discern God's guidance. Personal desires, expectations shaped by family background, cultural pressures, and trusted individuals can all affect decision-making. To navigate these competing influences, one must practice healthy differentiation, allowing oneself to be close and curious to God, oneself, and others, especially in challenging emotional states. Such differentiation aids in recognizing one’s emotional responses and encourages honest reflection, helping to maintain clarity about personal desires and intentions.
Practicing Discernment in Daily Life
Engaging in discernment regularly fosters a deeper relationship with God, as it necessitates reflection and openness to divine guidance in daily life. Simple questions like 'What do I sense God is saying?' can redirect focus toward listening for God's voice rather than only pursuing personal agendas. Additionally, cultivating a sense of indifference toward outcomes allows for greater flexibility and openness in decision-making. This approach not only nurtures personal spiritual growth but also strengthens community through shared experiences and conversations about discerning God's will together.
Welcome to episode two of The Familiar Stranger Podcast with Rich Villodas, hosted by Tyler Staton. Rich Villodas is the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large, multiracial church in the heart of Queens, New York, and the author of The Deeply Formed Life and Good and Beautiful and Kind. In this episode, Rich and Tyler explore discernment. We hope you enjoy.
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