Desiring Discernment
My daughter advised me this past weekend that I needed to keep my mouth quiet about the Vaccine. She said it was too sensitive of an issue to speak publicly about. So, if anything I’ve said or posted has offended anyone please forgive me. I’ve made my stand on the whole Covid and Vaccine issue perfectly clear – but it’s MY stand not yours and I certainly respect that.
More and more I think on “these things.” We live in terribly troubling times – the Bible was so very correct in prophesying what once was considered good would be evil and what once was considered evil would be good. (Isaiah 5.20)
We are there.
Defining Discernment
Biblical Discernment: In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. 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.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary: the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure: skill in discerning.
Then, there is the spiritual gift of discernment…
This gift is called discernment, and it is a kind of wisdom that comes from insight as much as from learned experience and knowledge. In the Christian faith, it comes from the Holy Spirit, and is a way of having insight in determining the true nature of a situation, person, or thing. [www.biblestudytools.com]
Desiring Discernment
All serious followers and believers of Christ should pray for the gift of discernment. Kind of like faith, we all have a measure of it. Some of us more, some of us less.
I have an inner alarm system, put in place by Holy Spirit, which blasts and beeps when something isn’t right – something doesn’t line up with God’s Word. This alarm system has been working overtime in recent months. There are podcasts, teachers, newscasters, and media sources I will absolutely not pay one bit of attention to. I measure and weigh all things against God’s Word.
Yes, I am narrow-minded and of course, I have tunnel thinking. I discern spirits and judge accordingly.
Yes, I Judge
The Bible instructs us to…
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2.14-16
Pray For Discernment
Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him. Malachi 3.18
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4.12
Learn to judge ALL things between the covers of the Bible. Trust me, there is a scripture for everything. God covered all the bases when He inspired man to write the words within its pages.
Discernment Is Wisdom
And, like many things it comes with maturity. Reading the Word. Learning the Word. Obeying the Word. It is not an overnight process. If we have a desire to discern and understand truth – we must commit ourselves to it. In this, the 21st Century, we still have the privilege of owning a Bible and listening to Godly radio, tv, and podcasts – it is quite probable these things will be taken away from us in our lifetime. So, pack it in NOW. Learn it NOW.
Question everything. Pray about everything important. Study. Read. Meditate.
Avoid being a Pollyanna – who tickles ears and says what people want to hear. Jesus Christ spoke Truth with Love but He NEVER skirted truth – He never whitewashed sin. Never. Ever. He brought the most radical change to the religions of the world. His Words bring life. His Words pierce the darkness.
Before you know it? You’ll be wise and discerning. We will react out of knowledge not emotion.
Will you pray for discernment with me?
I cannot recall anything you have written that was unkind or harsh. It is always good to hear differing opinions and ideas. I’m concerned that there are often too many voices that suggest that being quiet is the best course of action. A gentle, and thoughtful post is always welcome! They are like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
Thanks Wayne. And Proverbs 25.11 is a favorite scripture of mine!
Susan, of all the issues to become so volatile, who thought it would be the vaccine? I’ve learned everyone has their own beliefs regarding it, and I’ve chosen to respect it. At times, I share my thoughts, but often I don’t on that issue. Your thoughts on discernment are spot-on. I appreciate the different definitions you shared. They add greater insight to this important concept. And oh, that we all had the gift of discernment! Well written, friend.
Remember when everything was just between you, your doctor and God? Now, everything is so in your face. I have very strong opinions about the vax and honestly don’t want to share them but when people get up in your face and accuse you of such and such. Whew….
Discernment Sister also comes in different degrees I believe. Some of us are louder about things than others. Sometimes flying an American flag is discernment, or not masking, or not shopping at certain places. I pray my discernment gets more Holy Spirit infused as I grow older.
Yes, I totally agree.
Susan, as always this is great. No apologizes for speaking out. Like you said at times we are to judge. Keep speaking out Susan, you never know , your thoughts just may be what that ” one” person needs to hear. I’ve always agreed 100% with what you speak of, you match my thoughts too. Blessings
Thank you, Paula, your encouragement is very much appreciated. We are on the same team for sure!
This is excellent. Thank you. And thank you for being “vocal” and not remaining silent. The days we are living in call for great discernment and, yes, we ARE to judge. May we ever listen to the Lord through His Word and listen to His still small voice speaking to our spirit. Amen!
Amen and amen. xo
Susan, I have often said that people do not have to always agree with one another, but we are called to be respectful. You should be able to share your thoughts and opinions without getting lambasted. How sad it will be if we all are “quieted” and no longer can share and learn from one another. I have prayed for discernment every morning since my children were little. Over the years, I am finding I need it more and more and in increasing measure. I am so grateful our Lord generously provides both wisdom and discernment as we humbly ask.
Yes, HE DOES. Thanks, Jo’
I often pray for wisdom and discernment. Funny, though, I thought that by the time I was this age I would have had more of it–or at least be more confident in it.
We’re called to a narrow way, and I don’t think God has restriction in mind so much as focus, so that’s another worthy prayer request…
Good comment. Now, I’m pondering, MM. ♥SS
Thank you, Susan. It takes a gentle and humble spirit to apologize for possible offenses. And this is a great message for all believers. Love how you tied discernment to wisdom from the Word, God’s Truth, and the Holy Spirit in us! I’m praying for discernment!
It’s going to get more and more vital that we have it.
Often, if not daily, I pray for wisdom AND discernment! I too have strong beliefs that may go against the main-stream of our culture. I will guardedly voice them. I have found there are more than I knew that feel the same way.
I’m sure we are all in the same unpopular camp!
There is so much to distract us and confuse in our world today. What a beautiful encouragement and reminder of looking through a Biblical lens. Thank you for posting!
Robin, good to see you here!