(Test the spirit by the Spirit)
Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. ~~ Psalm 119:66 (NASB)
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. ~~ Ephesians 5:6-10 (NIV)
Discernment is defined as the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to judge well. In the case of judgment, discernment can be psychological, moral or appealing in nature. In the Bible Discernment is defined as one of the quieter gifts. Those who have the gift rarely speak up unless they discern it’s safe to do so. It is a gift to the church to help us dismiss confusion. Whether you have the gift of discernment or want to become more discerning, studying God word will stretch your discernment muscles.
The bible is always the place to start when it comes to discernment. It provides the basis for sound theology that protects us from error. It acts like the guard rails on a mountain road, steering you in the right direction. It also gives general principles for Christian living, because followers of Christ must use wisdom to discern how to apply those principles to the issues of their lives.
The book of Proverbs is a great help in this regard. It helps define “the skill of godly living,” which one must thoughtfully discern, apply, and practice in order to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
One thing we need to be aware of, parties on both sides of an issue often use the bible to support their position. This is where the gift comes in, we need to be able to discern who’s right. In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision.
Throughout the bible the ability to discern is spoken of, it was the ability to discern good from evil, judgment, and to discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people.
I remember growing up as a kid, we were told to use our better judgment when we were away from home, of course I didn’t think about it then, but I believe this is where discernment played a part. We had to make the choice between good and bad, right and wrong. This carried over into our adulthood where we are exercising the gift or that discernment muscle to make sure that we were living the way that was pleasing to our parents and subsequently the Lord. During the course of life, that muscle was weakened by the cares of this world, but if we stayed the course, it was the foundation that would bring things back to our remembrance.
This month as we explore the Spiritual gifts, now is as good a time as any to reexamine ourselves – to really know what our gift(s) are, not just for the sake of knowing only, but for using our gift for the sake of the Kingdom.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to use discernment so that we do not believe every spirit, but that we test the spirits to see whether they are from you. Help us to not judge by mere appearance, but instead judge correctly. Give us insight to deepen our understanding of the gift you have given us so that we use them for your glory. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray – Amen!
