Why Spiritual Discernment Matters in a Turbulent Age
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant noise of our times—news stories, passionate debates, heated social media posts—you’re not alone. We’re living in a world that seems to be moving faster and growing more divided every day. In this whirlwind, one quality stands out as more important than ever: spiritual discernment. But what does that actually mean, and why should we care about it right now?
Let’s Break It Down: What Is Spiritual Discernment?
Put simply, spiritual discernment is the ability to sense what’s real, true, and meaningful beneath the surface of things. It’s about pausing, reflecting, and choosing to look beyond the headlines and the emotional reactions to find deeper wisdom. If you think of life as a river, discernment helps you find the steady current beneath the churning waves on top.
It’s not just about religious beliefs—it’s about using your inner compass to steer through the chaos and make choices that line up with who you are and what you value. Whether you pray, meditate, journal, or just think things through, discernment gives you the power to tune out the noise and listen for what matters.
The Rabble Rouser Phenomenon: Why It Matters Now
Let’s talk about a term that’s popping up more often nowadays: “rabble rouser.” It may sound old-fashioned, but it describes something we see all the time—someone who stirs up a crowd, gets people fired up, and often sparks strong emotions, for better or worse.
A rabble rouser is like the person standing on a soapbox in a busy square, shouting slogans, riling folks up, and rallying people around a cause. They don’t always work for the common good; sometimes, their goal is just to get attention or push their own agenda. They know how to play on hopes, fears, and anger. In politics and history, rabble rousers have set big changes in motion—sometimes necessary, sometimes destructive.
The power they wield comes from their ability to connect with people emotionally. Their words hit you in the gut, not the head. We’ve all felt that pull: the urge to react, to join in, to take sides. But here’s the catch—reacting without thinking can lead us down paths we didn’t intend to travel.
Personal Experience: A Moment of Spiritual Clarity
I want to share a personal story. Back in March 2016, as the energy of a presidential race swept across the country, I had a moment of spiritual realization. It wasn’t something I heard with my ears, but a deep inner sense—a voice in my spirit—about the rise of Donald Trump as a rabble rouser.
This wasn’t a judgment against the person, but a recognition of the dynamic: someone tapping into the energy of an entire nation, stirring up emotions and driving people to action. What struck me most wasn’t the politics or the headlines, but how easily someone’s words and actions could ignite passions, create divisions, and lead to major shifts.
Fast forward to today, and the lesson remains. Leaders with strong influence can move millions, for good or ill. Reports like Rolling Stone’s analysis of the Trump family reportedly making $3.4 billion off the presidency serve as reminders—a powerful voice can ripple through society, changing lives and destinies.
What is most appalling is the way Donald Trump’s campaign intertwines religious language with immediate fundraising appeals, particularly by recently soliciting $15 donations under the pretext of “getting to heaven.” This approach not only conflates spiritual aspirations with political ambition but also leverages faith as a transactional tool for personal and political gain, a move underscored by his recent public remarks that have garnered national attention.
Why Is This Important?
Every time we see someone rallying people up, we’re witnessing the power of a rabble rouser. Their impact goes beyond politics. They can be catalysts for needed change, but they can also sow division, confusion, and unrest. The danger is in how these emotional waves can cloud our ability to think clearly, talk with each other, and find common ground.
But there’s a deeper issue at play—a kind of spiritual and moral drift. When emotions run high, when crowds get stirred up, it’s easy to lose sight of wisdom, reflection, and discernment. We get caught up in the moment and forget to ask ourselves what’s really happening and why.
Wisdom and Discernment: Tools for Turbulent Times
An ancient proverb says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” What does this mean for us now, in everyday life?
Wisdom isn’t just about being smart or memorizing facts—it’s about seeing the bigger picture. It’s about understanding not only what’s happening, but the deeper reasons behind it. Discernment acts as a filter, allowing us to step back and ask essential questions:
· What’s really going on here?
· What’s motivating this person or event?
· What am I being asked to feel, and why?
Being swept up without reflection can lead to regret, division, and confusion. Discernment keeps us grounded and helps us make choices that align with our values.
How to Practice Spiritual Discernment (Anyone Can Do It)
You don’t need to be a religious leader or a scholar to practice discernment. It starts with humility and a willingness to ask tough questions. Here are some practical steps you can try today:
· Pause Before You React: When something stirs you up—whether it’s a news report, a social media post, or a passionate speech—take a breath. Ask yourself, “Is my reaction coming from wisdom or just emotion?”
· Seek Multiple Perspectives: Don’t rely on just one source of information. Talk to people who see things differently than you. Read widely. Listen more than you speak.
· Question Motives: Try to understand why someone wants you to feel a certain way. Who benefits from stirring up emotions or drama?
· Look Beyond the Surface: Consider the deeper issues at play. Is this moment pointing to broader societal patterns or needs?
· Reflect Spiritually: Whether through prayer, meditation, or quiet time, connect with your own heart and values. Let your conscience and spiritual sense guide you.
America at a Crossroads (And What It Means for Us)
The United States, like many countries, is at a crossroads. Voices that stir up crowds—often rabble rousers—are louder and more visible than ever, thanks to technology and social media. Every opinion, outrage, or rallying cry can be amplified for millions to see. The challenge is to tune out the noise long enough to find clarity and peace.
Recognizing rabble rousers isn’t about blaming individuals. It’s about understanding the patterns and tendencies in ourselves and society that make us vulnerable to manipulation. It’s about choosing thoughtful responses over knee-jerk reactions.
Final Thoughts: Moving Toward Greater Understanding
The concept of the rabble rouser shines a light on the deeper spiritual and moral story unfolding in our world. Beneath the headlines and public debates, there’s a quiet need for discernment, wisdom, and understanding. Each of us plays a role in shaping that story—not by shouting the loudest or joining every crowd, but by seeking wisdom and embracing discernment.
So next time you encounter a rabble rouser or feel the pull to react quickly, take a moment. Ask yourself: What’s really being stirred up here? Am I following wisdom, or just caught in the moment? The answer may reveal more about our times—and about ourselves—than anything else.
In my own journey, I’ve learned to embrace new areas of spiritual growth and to trust the Spirit’s guidance, even when it’s beyond my understanding. Trusting that gentle nudge has led me forward with courage, and opened my heart to transformation and deeper insight. May it do the same for you.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 