13/03/2025
Discernment is the process of training ourselves to distinguish between right and wrong by disciplining our consciences, minds, senses and bodies. The Bible tells us that discernment is necessary for us to mature in our faith (Hebrews 5:12-14). In fact, it says that recognizing the difference between right and wrong is a developed skill. When we grow and mature in our faith, we are able to recognize temptation before it has engulfed us. We can also learn to recognize truth from falsehood, and God’s voice from other voices. Knowing Scripture helps us to discern false teachings from the truth. When we practice discernment and train ourselves to detect right from wrong, we can avoid the pitfalls and confusion so many people fall into. Life works better and we live better because we are following the way God created for life to work.
Why is it important to be discerning?
Psalm 14:2
The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.
- God gives special attention to helping those who are trying to discern his truth.
Proverbs 4:7
Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!
- Discernment is a valuable compass for daily living, and cultivating it should be a priority in our lives. It points us to God’s wisdom rather than human foolishness.
1 John 4:1-6
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
- Discernment tunes our ears to God rather than to false teaching.
Proverbs 3:21-23
don’t lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling.
- Discernment enhances the quality of our lives. Godly wisdom and understanding keep us from tripping over the lies and deceptions Satan throws at us to trip us up.
