Poor Judgment

Recently, a U.S. general resigned because he had exercised ‘poor judgment’. Observe the people you encounter on any given day, and you will notice that poor judgment is one of the leading causes of self-destruction. 
 

The path towards poor judgment is just a subtle deviation from what is good and true. Have a few drinks, linger a bit longer, connect with someone online, take a few risks, indulge in self-justification--treat yourself…you deserve it…

Unfortunately, our bad choices have a ripple effect on those that love us and depend on us. Poor judgment leads to broken families, ruined reputations, loss of fortunes, and destroyed lives.  It demoralizes those that look up to us and depend on us. Our loved ones get sucked along into the huge abyss that was created by our weaknesses.

I’m always surprised when intelligent people show a lack of discernment. I expect certain traits like self-awareness, discipline, knowledge, wisdom, good judgment, and intuition to go together. Yet, this is rarely the case. Frequently, smart people make dumb choices.

I pray for the gift of discernment--for myself, and for everyone around me. I think this is one of the most under rated blessings. If we could all have good judgment, wisdom, understanding, if we all made good choices, so much of the world’s suffering could be avoided.

Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done. On Earth as it is in Heaven.