Running head: SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT 1
Spiritual Discernment in Counseling
Led by The Spirit
Teresa Mason
Liberty University
Abstract
When making a career decision it is important to know your sense of direction in what area you
like to be involved in and career choice made to achieving your goal. In doing so it can be
confusing and not knowing what direction to take. Not knowing if you’ve made the right career
choice can be stressful and sometimes debilitating to the person if they become depressed over
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the matter of making a choice and deciding the course to take to get there. One of the most
challenging times in our lives is making that career choice that will impact our entire futures.
When a person ultimately make the decision to move forward in their career decision, they can
become entangled in these decisions not being able to find their way out of the maze, for some
they may become depressed or commit suicide because of the overwhelming emotions tied to
making life choices. Making such decision may become easier if the person making the decision
involve the guidance of God and rely on spiritual discernment as a foundation to the choices they
are trying to make. The most prevalent part to discerning the career path taken is based upon
belief found in seeking God’s will, and allowing the Holy Spirit to advise them in what should be
the choice that best suits them in their career making decision. If the person could rely on
spiritual discernment, then making an informative decision about career and education to lay
foundation for that career would come easier.
Personal Position
In the main stream of making career choices it is difficult to know when you have made
the right choice for a career. One of the most challenging times in our lives is making that career
choice that will impact our entire futures. Horton (2009) explains most find this in students still
in high school who face the choice of dating habits, what college or vocational school should
they attend for their educational needs, what would be a meaningful program of study pursue,
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and the career path that they should follow and so on.
The choices become even more challenging over time as these same students mature and
think about marriage, graduate programs, the job opportunities that are available to them, and
with their careers the possibility of making a move to the new location (Horton, 2009). As the
person move forward to become entangled in these decisions some may become depressed or
commit suicide become of the overwhelming emotions tied to making life choices (Horton,
2009). The ideal-ology of discerning spiritual discernment in career choices is more popular than
most may or may not believe.
Based on research the most prevalent part to discerning the career path taken is found in
seeking God’s will and advice on what should be the choice that best suits the individual. Horton
(2009) explains that much effort was made to steer Christians away from the bull’s-eye approach
in discernment, although this was emphasized most Christian believers desire the center of God’s
will be seeking out specific guidance from God with students in Christian ministry. Student’s
possessing the charismatic tendencies and those not possessing a charismatic tendency found the
bull’s-eye approach satisfactory.
Horton (2009) explains that if students make the choice to continue with this approach to
spiritual discernment as leaders in the church and parachurch settings, student’s teaching on this
subject would be inclined to boost the popularity of the approach for years to come. The biblical
approach to discernment is gaining more momentum with the advice of those that strongly
support this vital part of faith belief. Horton (2009) gives recognition to Garry Friesen’s book
Decision Making and the Will of God, place emphasis on the use of discernment in our daily
lives and that the publication has sold vastly over 250,000 copies to date.
Research suggest that individuals accustomed to Calvinism (conservative Presbyterians,
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Reformed, and Calvinistic segments of Non-denominational and Baptists) tend to hold to the
approach with change (Horton, 2009). It was also recognized or suggested that those observing
closely rooted in biblical wisdom with all likelihood would not concern themselves with seeking
out specific guidance or led of the Holy Spirit (Horton, 2009). Nevertheless, as the Word of God
commands and provides for us principles within the Bible scriptural text is found in it the
primary basis for decision making in correlation to God-given reasoning, abilities, and wise
counsel (Horton, 2009).
Setran (2011) contends some of the same concerns as Horton by explaining that college
students who ultimately are emerging adults will face the same question “what will I do with my
life.” They will face the task of who to date and marriage, vocational decisions that will guide
them in their view of God, people, human culture, and the purpose of every individual (Setran,
2011). In doing so they will then be left with their beliefs of how God guides and directs our
lives, how the roles of work and leisure in Christian discipleship come into play, followed with
the location of one’s identity and the calling on their lives (Setran, 2011).
Setran (2011) goes on to explain that such fundamental endeavors are then coupled with
Christian character and its development, to establishing habits which forms patterns of influence
that directs the individual, familial, and communal spheres of life resulting from community
especially those that are development from different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. Setran
(2011) points one important aspect in saying that we must be careful in knowing that this journey
is more than decisions of employment, rather careful guidance in spiritual discernment as we
walk alone side these emerging adults. We much recognize the theological, spiritual, and social
transformation found in and postmodern world.
Love and Niemandt (2014) explains that within the Missional Communities and Quakers,
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they see that first act of forming a community of faith is done so through discernment. The first
act of participation in localized faith practice is based on the foundation of discernment, and for
the Quakers the first act of spiritual discernment is founded on the promise of “waiting on the
Lord” (Love & Niemandt, 2014). The practice of discernment with the Quaker community is do
so through naming communal discernment spaces as worship spaces and through strategic use of
silence, which something that has been suggested in practice of the Missional Communities of
vocational discernment (Love & Niemandt, 2014).
One other important factor the emerges is that the core foundation to missions is centered
on the sending of God into the world, which serves as a breakthrough from the ecclesiastic
understanding of mission which dominated the Western Church to its core belief of sending God
into a dying and starving world (Love & Niemandt, 2014). The argument for the Missional
Church for its theocentric understanding of mission is the basis for its movement. The fight for
change is centered around the emergence of movement but still acknowledge foundation is built
on a cluster of idea’s that convey the importance of biblical and theological commitments (Love
& Niemandt, 2014).
Based on the information that I have read and considering my own faith and belief, the
approach I feel mostly match what I feel is the bull’s-eye approach, I believe that God has a
perfect plan for each person that follows him and it will manifest in its appointed time. In
Jeremiah 29:11 God said, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The plans of God for our
lives were but in place before the day of our conception and arrival on earth, but we are the ones
who rush destiny in the effort to make the plans come forth before their appointed time. God
knows the day and the hour of our reaching His desired plans and the manifestation of the life we
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were born to have.
We’ve to discover His perfect plan for us, but through His guidance and destiny will
finally see those plans do then do His will in them. God directs each us to where He desires us,
placing us in the right place at the right time for His plans to manifest. Horton (2009) explains
that regardless to the many appellations of to finding His will and plans, once we’re reached the
marked place of destiny we are to follow God’s detailed plans and follow them. Ultimately in
reaching goals and the place of destiny for us, we may stray from His plans, but we are not
allowed to stray beyond the permissive will of God for our lives (Horton, 2009). The decisions
are up to us, but the will of God remains unchanged and neither are His plans.
Past and Present Influences
Crossin (2015) made interesting point that in his stance of moral belief virtue ethics gave
prudence to a holistic approach that has been adopted by many Christian traditions. In his belief,
he found that virtue ethics is ecumenical ethic and based on the foundation of four irrevocable
characteristics of the Christian moral formation that’s shared with Roman Catholics: (1) the
Christian moral vision of human flourishing begins with and ends in the person of Jesus Christ;
(2) Christian moral formation occurs in community where we read the Scriptures and celebrate
the sacraments; (3) Christian moral formation occurs in the midst of suffering, under conditions
of finitude and sin; and (4) to aid in moral foundation, each of our churches has specific moral
teaching (Crossin, 2015).
In the view, Christian moral vision, it’s important we remember that while rooted in grace
we develop virtues that enables us to see and understand the world, cultivate our holistic attitudes
and dispositions, and to be able to act in character that recognizes our life in Christ (Crossin,
2015). We should recognize that taking on a moral compass will lead us to a moral state that’s
open and gives way to multiple veins of increasing flow of life giving water and not that of a
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single stream (Crossin, 2015).
Our beliefs and practices is the morality to what we believe and how we view things that
are spiritual and our operation in the gifts given to us by God. We must understand remember
that all gifts are given from above and are good and perfect in Christ. Our past believes and
present day practices will influence greatly the spiritual discernment that guide us through our
decision-making process. If there is much clutter in our spiritual arena we will more than likely
not be able to see or feel the thigs that God is trying guide us to, therefore we are spiritually
stunned with no growth or practice.
Our environment can play a major factor in our spiritual discernment in that what we
were raised to believe and how we are to act can engulf our spiritual practice of discernment. If
gone untaught we could simply go through life making choices that are not of God and associate
immorality with spirituality that in turn is bad practice. Out acceptance of right and wrong would
become clouded by sinful acts that not the practice of God, Christ not the Holy Spirit.
In Proverbs 23:7 of the King James Version (KJV) it states, “For as he thinketh in his
heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” We are careful to
guard against the things that no earthly good, so can’t we guard our spirituality and practice so
that the gifts of God can operate within us freely and openly. If is truly in our hearts to do good
then god will follow, and operating in the Spirit and discernment would not be a chore but a
choice.
If we are following unwise counsel and not discerning the spirit that is guiding us, then
we have fallen short of the expectations of God. Being led by the Spirit is to follow wise and
protective covering provided by God and His sovereign grace. The word of God says if we do
not follow Him then we are led by our father of darkness and lies. In John 8:44 of the New
International Version it states, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out
your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is
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no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of
lies.”
Our cultural believes and practice can also play a role in the way in which we seek
discern things. What our parents did and the things that their parents held to were integrated into
our lives growing up, those practices and believes are now a part of who we are as people. They
may have been brought up not to believe that the Holy Spirit is what dwells within us and God
don’t impart certain thoughts and practices through us.
They may have found it hard to believe in God as creator of all things and a Spirit
because He is not tangible, but we know Him through His presence and sense of existence not an
object to be touched physically. Unlearned guidance by those who meant well can be a leading
factor in our thoughts and even practice of faith today. If we are to truly practice discernment in
our course of professional choice and everyday life, then we must believe in the existence of God
and feel His presence and know that it is through the Holy Spirit that we discern the things
around us.
How we view the present-day world and those things around us is also a factor of our
belief in God and spiritual discernment practice. Secular believes and practices can also
influence our discernment practice. What world has accepted as normal and right are never the
things that are acceptable to God and can cloud our view and practice of faith and discernment.
Our own thoughts may become obscured by what the world sees as proper and made feel
ashamed to practice our faith and use of gifts openly for fear of persecution and ridicule.
Practical Application
As a counselor, our first concern should be of the client’s needs that those our own. To
guide this person through counseling her for her future consideration to program of study and
later career choice, I would first find more about my client’s background and personal beliefs
given to her through her family and know associates that has influences her life. The way in
which a person has been raised has great influence on career decisions and path of studies.
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The steps to career paths is having a clear picture to what classes to undertake and your
interests in things outside of class work. Things that make great hobbies may not be the best
solution to picking a program of study or career choice. Setting clear direction in the choice of
career choice is important. If the client is confused in the choice of a career and not a job, then it
would make their decision even harder in what they would like to do a career choice.
I would be careful in not forcing my opinion if I feel that their career picks are the best
ones, nor the people that they’ve allowed to influence their decisions. The best course of action
would be asking the questions to direct or redirect they’re way of thing. Having simple
conversation and bringing out highlights of their career direction can stir then client onto the
right path without forcing opinion.
I would not force my belief or faith on clients and if spirituality were come up during our
session then I would maybe mention about their faith and what they believe without being the
first to enter in that factor. I would be careful as to not suggest to them the things that I would do
as opposed to their own actions. If a person is already confused and looking for answers, they are
much subjectable to accepting anything that sounds guided as their own idea.
You would want the client to be able to think for themselves the acceptable course or path
to take in their career and study foundation, you don’t want your thought to be theirs. Discuss
with them the idea that their family and associates have suggested to them to see if there is any
undo force or persuasion of what their career path should. Cohesion of any kind can derail what
would be promising career path for the client and any pressure my force them in the wrong
direction.
I would want to discuss with this person the choices that they are making with their
classes to see if a sense of redirection could be found in the subject matter that she is studying.
The important thing would be to take the classes that are necessary for their career choice and
not take for example a class in sewing if the person is going for nursing as a career path.
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Knowing what foundation to put in place for their career choice is as important as knowing what
subject matter to stay clear of while in their program of study.
Mapping out their time study in conjunction with their expected gradation date may also
serve important in their study area. Knowing how it will take to graduate may also be a
determining factor in what to study as opposed to what not to study. The career path for
accountant my not be if that for being a lawyer or doctor.
Writing out their career decision can also provide some insight to their choices and give
them idea of what direction to go in. Having a clearer view of the path to take in making a career
choice is better than simply falling into it blindly. Taking to other professionals is also helpful
suggestion that I would consider in helping them on their path.
The more information that can be gathered the better of their career choice. Being
informed can influence their entire direction of classes and career choice. Talking to professional
first hand can give them a clear picture then simply taking the word of a brochure or class
catalog that may be limited in the information provided to them. Those extra steps that I could
guide them into would make for a more informative decision and lead them to a better career
choice. It could illuminate and unnecessary confusion and delayed decision making for their
future career goals and path of studying while still studying.
Conclusion
As a person enter the phase of life as what would they want as a career often many
obstacles are encountered before making that choice. As we make career choices it is important
to know the direction that’s to be taken and what area they’ve desired to enter in making a career
choice. The is where the discernment can play a major role in the direction to take as you are
guided by the Holy Spirit. Not knowing the field to which to enter can be confusing and making
the right choice can be stressful and sometime debilitating to the individual if they become
depressed over their choices and if whether they’ve made the right decision. The trying time of a
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person’s life is when we come to the point of making or deciding the course to take in making a
choice of something that will impact our entire life. Ultimately the decision to move forward in
their career choice is made, but then find themselves entangled in the decisions that are made
whether it be educational foundations or the career they’ve already entered. This why is it
essential that you have the indwelling or the Holy Spirit and gift of discernment to know if the
choices you’ve made were the right ones for your future.
References
Crossin, J. W. (2015). Ecumenical reflections on moral discernment. Journal of Ecumenical
Studies, 50(4), 561+. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://go.
galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=vic_liberty&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE
%7CA440635870&sid=summon&asid=adddc72f4ab8429ecc1d06e5833f60ed
Horton, D.J (2009). Discerning spiritual discernment: Assessing current approaches for
understanding God’s will, The Journal of Youth Ministry, 7(2), 7-31. Retrieved from
https://brainmass.com/file/330339/38605763.pdf
Love, C. R., & Niemandt, C. J. P. (2014). Led by the spirit: Missional communities and the
Quakers on communal vocation discernment. Hervormde Teologiese Studies, 70(1), 1-9.
Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.
liberty.edu/docview/1680764011? accountid=12085
Setran, D. P. (2011). "Getting a life:" vocational discernment in the post-Christian world.
Christian Education Journal, 8(2), 345+. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/
login?url=http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=vic_liberty&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE
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%7CA269028181&sid=summon&asid=164a82f5d1fde04bba86d45c61945094
