“The heart of spiritual discernment is being able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God” (Anonymous)
Thinking through a range or couple of options after which you settle for one, is simply making choices. We give thanks to God for the free will offered to us through the ability to make choices.
Every day we weigh pros and cons of one choice over the other. You think about how that choice will affect you and others, directly or indirectly. However, discernment is deeper than just making choices.
The word discernment isn’t one that comes readily to mind in daily life. Yet, it is a great necessity to live a truly fulfilling and wholesome life. Discernment means to separate, to determine, to decide or to distinguish between two things.
“Discernment is the ability to see things for what they really are and not for what you want them to be” (Anonymous).
Being able to engage in discernment is not in our physical ability and cannot be attained by our own strength. It is a spiritual tool that we are supposed to pray for. It is the Holy Spirit that helps us to discern.
Discernment goes with Wisdom
Discernment is making proper decisions through wisdom. We are told that,
“If the iron be blunt, and one do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).
Indeed, wisdom helps you know the right thing to do. This wisdom does not just come with age, experience, exposure or by human intelligence. This is the wisdom that comes from God to guide those who love him.
For, “On the lips of the discerning, [skillful and godly] wisdom is found, But discipline and the rod are for the back of the one who is without common sense and understanding” (Proverbs 10:13 – AMP).
And truly, “Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known” (Proverbs 14:33- NIV ).
For a Christian, discernment is a process by which God helps an individual reach the best decision (pray.com).
Discerning a just world
The power to discern is an ability that God gave to humans to help us make the right choices in daily life and in all that we are engaged in. Yet, why do we see so much society ills, so much evil, so much killing, corruption, ritual killings, oppression of the poor and less privileged, and so much religious and denominational intolerance?
This is because the discernment involved was not guided by the Spirit of God. It was guided and determined by the human nature, human tendencies, human self-centeredness, carnal mentality, unnecessary competition, and a worldly way of looking at one’s life.
“What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:3)
Man and woman were born into this world with a sinful nature. Hence, the natural tendency of a human being is selfish, carnal and ungodly (Psalm 51:5).
But Christ brought us salvation and redemption through his death on the cross and resurrection. He gave us new life and the power to conquer sin and wrongdoing, so that we do not have to live according to our human tendencies (1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 5:24).
Discernment through God’s word
“And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)
The best way to live our daily lives is to develop a lifestyle of discerning through God’s Word and with the help of the Holy Spirit what steps we are to take in our lives. This can save you from death, danger, unforeseen ugly situations or prepare you to embrace something that is God’s will for your life.
Ask yourself, “What does God want me to do in this situation?” As you pause to listen to the Holy Spirit who lives in you, you will get answers regarding that situation.
“God does not exist to answer our prayers, but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God.” Oswald Chambers
Why must we discern?
The things of God are foolishness to a carnal mind. It is the Holy Spirit that helps us understand and discern what God wants of our lives.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Prayer: “I am your servant, give me discernment that I may understand your statues” (Psalm 119:125).
(To be Continued – On Part 2)
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The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
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