https://orthodoxleader.paradosis.com/2011/05/17/down-with-delusion/ Reflections on leadership in the Orthodox Church Wed, 17 Jul 2013 04:07:10 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 https://orthodoxleader.paradosis.com/2011/05/17/down-with-delusion/comment-page-1/#comment-7298 Karen Wed, 18 May 2011 19:32:18 +0000 http://orthodoxleader.paradosis.com/?p=556#comment-7298 It is indeed difficult to discern delusion. It seems our hearts have multiplied layers of self-deception in them. I find no sooner has the Holy Spirit rooted out and exposed one level of deception in me than another emerges. A particular verse from today’s mid-Pentecost Gospel reading has become key in helping me to discern whether or not my understanding of myself, the Scripture or of the Tradition is in accordance with truth-or, indeed, if I am even capable of receiving truth. I am speaking of John 7:17 where Jesus says, “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether is is from God or whether I speak on my own authority.” Specifically, I have found true discernment is given in response to a heart that has been purified to want to do God’s will. “God’s will” is that we love others in the same way as He in Jesus Christ has loved us. If my heart is purified such that I am deeply and sincerely wanting to love as God has humbly and sacrificially loved me, then I will begin to discern the truth. On the other hand, in my experience, if I am wanting the approval of human beings, to have a good reputation, to outwit another with my biblical literacy, pious life, worldly wisdom, or some other achievement, or even in a self-serving way just to avoid God’s punishment in hell, rather than to serve another in love out of love and gratitude to Christ, there is a wide open door for the deceiver! Egotism is a fatal impediment to discernment.

]]>