Study:2
Spiritual Discernment
Nelson Thomas
Discernment is the ability to evaluate and judge a situation and understand that which is not obvious. This discerning power helps one to take the right step at the right time and come to a proper conclusion after weighing the different aspects of a situation. In every area of life, this skill is crucial and very useful. The progress of a student, the success of a businessman, and the profit of a farmer are all dependent upon the ability to discern.
Even in our spiritual lives, this discernment is very important. The Lord Jesus rebuked the Jews who failed to discern the times concerning God’s dealings with them. Matthew 16:3; Luke 12:56.
Even today we see the same situation. We are experts in distinguishing between various things in secular life but miserably fail when it comes to spiritual issues. Let us consider six things that the word of God shows about discernment in Christian life.
1. It is the privilege of a born-again believer only 1Corinthians 2:14, 15; Psalm 92:6
An unbeliever may have the ability to discern worldly things, but not the things of God. Paul categorically says that the natural man finds spiritual things as foolishness. But a child of God, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, can discern and make the right decisions in spiritual life. John 16: 13.
Nevertheless, how far we experience this privilege is another issue. It’s contradictory for one to claim that he is a born-again Christian and yet shows a lack of discernment. A true believer in Christ has the resources by which he/she can differentiate between good and bad.
2. We need to progress in this ability Philippians 1:9
The ability of a little child and that of an adult to distinguish between right and wrong are different. The desires and priorities of a child will keep changing as the little one grows up. If such a development is not visible, any parent will be disturbed.
So also it is in our spiritual life. As we progress in our Christian lives, we ought to improve our ability to distinguish between what is right and wrong. Paul’s prayer was that the believers in Philippi would abound in knowledge and discernment even about the noblest virtue – love. Philippians 1:9. In other words, as the days go by, we must be more and more sensitive to the will of God.
3. Discernment in spiritual matters proves our maturity Hebrews 5:14
If an adult still behaves like a child, that is not a sign of healthy growth. Paul classifies such immature, childish Christians as carnal. 1 Corinthians 3: 1- 3. Maturity makes it more sensible to assess and appreciate life from the right perspective.
Believers who make no effort to grow in Christian life will naturally find it very difficult to grasp the principles and practices held by mature believers. Similarly, if one fails to live under the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, this spiritual judgment is impossible. 1Cor. 2:15a.
4. Specific areas where discernment is indispensable.
Generally speaking, we can say that we need this discernment in every area of life. However, the word of God specifically mentions certain areas that are noteworthy.
a. Good and evil. Hebrews 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
God’s people must distinguish between good and evil and hold fast and follow what is good alone.
b. Holy and unholy. Leviticus 10:10.
c. Clean and unclean. Leviticus 10:10.
Aaron and his sons were to be away from any intoxicating drink so that they would not lose their ability of discernment. With such right judgment, they were to serve in the temple as well as teach the people of God.
d. Acceptable and unacceptable. Ephesians 5:10.
What is acceptable to man may not be acceptable to God. Our logic and even common sense may appreciate something, but that does not mean that God Almighty will be pleased about it. So, to really determine and follow what is pleasing to God demands proper discernment.
e. True and False. 1 John 4:1.
If false preachers and believers existed in the first century, how much more today? The Lord Jesus appreciated the church at Ephesus for their right judgment and the subsequent cleansing of the assembly. Revelation 2:2.
f. Excellent and poor. Philippians 1:10.
Paul’s exhortation to Christians at Philippi was to not just follow what is good, but follow the excellent thing. We may think about ourselves that we are not that bad or that we are even better than many, but in reality, we have to be excellent in our doctrine and practice. For this, we need the right discernment. William MacDonald has rightly said, “The good is often the enemy of the best” William MacDonald.
Immature and carnal Christians may misunderstand and even slander a believer for his commitment to an excellent path of spiritual life. 1 Corinthians 2:15. This is because only a Spirit-filled and mature person makes such a high level of spiritual discernment. The natural man may hate it, carnal man may laugh at it, but God will stand by such a commitment of a saint. Psalm 25:14; Proverbs 28:5.
5. God takes it seriously. Ezekiel 22:26
The priests of Israel failed to differentiate between the sacred and the ordinary. God accuses them of violating the law and polluting the holy things. God takes their failure seriously because He had separated them to be His own. Leviticus 20: 24 – 26.
Even today the standard of God is the same: for we have been separated to be His own special people. 1 Peter 2:9. We ought to reflect a standard that is worthy of His name. Ephesians 4:1.
6. Poor discernment could be part of divine judgment! Isaiah 6:10; 44:18
It’s not easy to comprehend, but the scripture reveals that as part of God’s judgment against His people, one may face such a mental state as this: seeing but not understanding, hearing but unable to perceive. Instead of arguing over the various aspects of this truth, let us pray to God for more insight and ability to discern right. 1Kings 3:9
The absence of right discernment by Christians is very much apparent today. Many just follow public opinion or their own feelings. Without any hesitation, believers all over the world adopt the lifestyle of unbelievers. Compromise is seen as the best option, and most believers easily imitate whatever they see around them.
In such a scenario, let the believers who claim to follow the New Testament realize the value of right spiritual discernment. Let us not just be satisfied thinking that we are better than many, but let us be excellent in our life, doctrine, and practice. G&P
