As the election is fast approaching and the countless media reports and conversations from others sharing their opinions on who should be elected, I can’t help but reflect on how history has shown that humanity has always needed a leader to look to for guidance and direction. Whether it be for a community, religious, or political views, people often seek guidance and leadership to navigate the complexities of life. It is a natural instinct for individuals to look for someone who can provide direction, clarity, and support in times of uncertainty.
Religiously speaking, I do consider myself Christian. I would not categorize myself as a holy roller, but more as a fan of the teachings of Jesus. Besides His teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness, I have always been drawn to his teachings in discernment and what a valuable tool it is to navigate our lives with and to acknowledge what is right for us.
Google’s definition of discernment is the ability to judge well. In today’s society, I often think that we are gradually losing this essential skill of discernment. Perhaps this decline is due to a spiritual disconnection, as fewer individuals are taking the time to connect with their inner selves. Or perhaps, the fear-inducing messages in the world may be clouding our judgment and gaining more control over our thought processes. With the overwhelming influence of media outlets and external sources constantly bombarding us with information and opinions, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to trust our own judgment and differentiate between what we truly need and what we are being told we need.
They say history repeats itself, and as a child, I remember learning about World War II and being completely amazed at how one man could brainwash millions into believing his delusional ideas of annihilating an entire population. Sadly, I fear that we are witnessing a similar scenario unfold in our world today. I am coming to realize that these catastrophic events do not happen overnight; rather, they are the result of a slow burn process that begins by slowly desensitizing people in their thought processes. It is a reminder of the power of manipulation and propaganda, highlighting the importance of being careful and critically analyzing the information we are fed.
As the election draws near and the circus of world events unfolds, it becomes increasingly crucial for individuals to renew their sense of discernment between right and wrong. My hope is that people will take the initiative to conduct their own research, dive into books, seek information independently, and refrain from solely relying on media or social media sources. There is a great sense of empowerment that comes with gaining knowledge firsthand and drawing conclusions based on personal investigation.