About the Narrator

Joe Chiaravallotti is a retired Naval Officer who has been a member of OCF since 1994. He and his wife, Kristi, currently serve as OCF local leaders and Area Coordinators within the National Capital Region. Joe is also a member of the White Sulphur Springs Advisory Committee, where he serves as Chaplain.

This episode narrated by CDR Joe Chiaravallotti, USN (Ret.)

Is it possible to discern right judgment without knowing the Truth?

Our Scripture reading comes from Psalm 86:11, quoting from The Living Insights Study Bible:

“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”

As a leader, are you ever hesitant or uncertain about how to respond to situations? Are you inclined to give a knee-jerk reaction or are your responses more often guided by the Lord’s true wisdom? Do you experience compassion level fluctuations, that is, sometimes your actions reflect spiritual wisdom and at other times seem void of anything resembling those guided by the Holy Spirit?

At the heart of these queries is the consideration of the root of one’s conscious choices or actions. Our options are to allow the “spiritual self” or to allow the “old nature” to dictate decisions.

David’s prayer is a rejection of the old self. Left to his own devices or contemplations, David, like many of us, could find himself poised to make poor decisions with disastrous consequences (see 2 Samuel 11). No, David’s desire is to be taught God’s truth so that more and more he would walk in God’s ways. He resisted having a divided heart. David’s default in times of struggle was to walk in God’s truth.

Is it possible to discern right judgment without knowing the Truth? James 1:8 reads, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Surely, as Christian leaders, our desire is to show compassion with an undivided heart—one that rightly discerns truth with reverence for the Lord.

Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. As you read the Bible and especially contemplate Psalm 86:11, consider these simple action points:

  • Act according to revealed truth, recognizing that spiritual leadership is dynamic.
  • Be sensitive to what the Lord is teaching.
  • Practice putting God’s plan into action, daily.