BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong - the ability to see and understand people, things, or situations clearly and intelligently. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically.

First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." The apostle John issues a similar warning in 1 John 4:1 "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world". According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer - it is required.

The key to living an uncompromising life lies in one's ability to exercise discernment in every area of his or her life. For example, failure to distinguish between truth and error leaves the Christian subject to all forms of false teachings. False teachings lead to an unbiblical mind-set, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living - a certain recipe for compromise.

Following the example of Jesus is a good starting point in practicing discernment. According to 2 Peter 1:3, God "has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence". It is through the "true knowledge of Him," that we have been given everything we need to live a Christian life in this fallen world.

Discernment - the ability to think biblically about all areas of life - is indispensable in His precious truth! Without it, Paul writes is Ephesians 4:14 that Christians are at risk of being "tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine".

How does a believer increase spiritual discernment? Firstly, recognizing that God is the only One who can increase wisdom and therefore we have to pray for it (James 1:5 and Philippians 1:9). Secondly, to distinguish the good from evil comes by training and practice, go to the Bible to learn the truth and, by meditation on the Word, re-enforce the truth.

This is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. We must know the authentic so well that, when the false appears, we can recognize it. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, we will be “trained by constant practice to distinguish the good from evil.” We will know God’s character and will. This is the heart of spiritual discernment – being able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God, to have a sense that “this is right” or “this is wrong.” Spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).