Discernment is Both a Spiritual and Practical Strength.
Old-time revivalist Bob Jones used to ask, “Is it ever right to do wrong in order to do right?”
That’s a mind-bender but a legitimate query. Jones would have likely said, “No, it’s always wrong to do wrong, and circumstances don’t matter.”
Yet, if we accept that position, we must ignore what the Bible teaches about discernment.
Discernment is understanding, evaluating, and choosing what is best in life’s shifting circumstances. Charles Spurgeon illuminates this. He said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
Discernment is a valuable life skill, according to the Bible. Psalm 119:65 says discernment is a combination of knowledge and good judgment.
How can we weave discernment into our daily lives? It is a spiritual discipline.
Discernment is a Reflection of Divine Wisdom
Discernment, often perceived as a natural instinct, is a refined ability reflecting a Christian’s closeness to the Holy Spirit. It is being able to distinguish between the merits of various options without being judgmental.
The people in the town of Berea were examples of that. They listened to Paul and Silas. Each thought about what they heard. Then, they used the Scriptures for fact-checking. They considered what they heard and read and the state of their own hearts. As a result, “Many of them therefore believed” (Acts 17:10 -12).
Discernment is the freedom we have in Christ to assess people and situations and make decisions based on spiritual values, not pressure imposed by any social, political, or religious mob.
If the Bereans would have used conventional wisdom, they would have rejected the message. The Jews from Thessalonica came and stirred up trouble for Paul and Silas in Berea, so in that context, rejecting the teaching of Paul and Silas would have been the “right thing” to do. Yet, they could choose what pleased God rather than man by spiritual discernment.
Practical Discernment: The Christian’s Daily Compass
The practice of discernment transcends mere recognition of right and wrong — it’s an ongoing process of aligning one’s actions, decisions, and relationships with the teachings of Christ. Practical discernment fosters a habit of reflective thinking and prayerful consideration in our daily interactions. It involves:
Discernment in Relationships. Nurturing discernment in relationships entails recognizing the value of Godly counsel and fostering relationships that edify and uphold Christian values.
We live in a world of relationships and need to exercise discernment in choosing them. Our mothers were right when they told us to choose our friends wisely. The same applies to selecting a spouse, a church, a business partner, or any other type of relationship. Selection without discernment has consequences.
Discernment and Modern Media. Discerning the truth in media and digital interactions is crucial in our information age. The Christian’s discerning eye should sift through the prevalent narratives and uphold the truth.
Christians must realize that the World System is based upon winning the minds of people through propaganda. All news sources, right-wing or left-wing, are biased, and we must use our God-given discernment to cut through the lies and support Christian values.
We must also reconsider the role of social media. Do discerning Christians use it? If so, how do they use it? We often see Christians use it to argue with each other rather than as a tool for outreach.
Discernment and Social Issues. Discernment in social issues means reflecting Christ’s love and truth amidst a cacophony of worldly opinions.
Too often, Christians are compromised by contemporary culture. We identify with a single country or political party and only see the spiritual nuance with discernment. Contemporary political and social fads fade like cheap wallpaper. We forget we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, Jesus is our King, and our Constitution is far different than those composed by men.
We need a discerning eye to sort through the chaos on our planet today and focus on what is spiritually important. That focus needs to be on individuals, not institutions or movements.
The Bible teaches, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). Jesus galvanized that notion in Matthew 28:19–20. Social and political problems are resolved when individuals turn to Christ and become citizens of His Kingdom. We need discernment to choose our battles.
The practice of discernment requires personal rigor. When we become disciples of Christ, we are obligated to be disciplined. When we are disciplined, we recognize and obey the code of behavior established by Christ. Our actions must be based on the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), not untrustworthy conventional wisdom.
How to Become a Discerning Christian
These methods may seem familiar, but they are the bedrock of wisdom.
Engage with the Scriptures. A foundational way to acquire discernment is through a diligent and prayerful engagement with the Scriptures. The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and wisdom that guides Christians in understanding God’s will and discerning right from wrong in various situations.
By regularly studying, meditating on, and applying biblical teachings, Christians can develop a deeper level of discernment. Psalms 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Scriptures illuminate the path of life, enabling believers to walk in discernment and righteousness.
Engagement with Scripture is just the starting point, not the end game. The Christian requires that we put our faith into action. You cannot allow yourself to “sit, soak, and sour.” You must act on your conclusions.
Maintain Contact with God. Prayer is a vital avenue through which Christians seek and receive discernment. By maintaining a consistent prayer life and seeking God’s guidance in decision-making, Christians open themselves to divine wisdom and insight. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Through prayer, believers can cultivate a spirit of discernment, seeking God’s wisdom in navigating complex situations and making sound decisions.
Seek Godly Counsel. Engaging in fellowship with other believers and seeking godly counsel are also crucial for developing discernment. Proverbs 15:22 notes, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
We must avoid making the mistake of merely getting another opinion on matters. Or worse, finding someone who agrees with us. We must only seek Godly counsel from someone who understands discernment dynamics.
The collective wisdom gleaned from a community of believers can provide diverse perspectives and insights, aiding in making well-discerned choices. We should never accept the herd mentality, however. We must weigh the insight of others and decide for ourselves. We are individually accountable to the Lord (Hebrews 4:13).
Discernment is Not Optional
In the voyage of life, discernment is our compass and our steadfast companion. Embracing discernment entails nurturing a profound understanding of God’s word, fostering godly relationships, and engaging with the world through the lens of truth. Become a discerning Christian and be prepared to act upon your conclusions.
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Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
