Why We Need Spiritual Discernment

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

 

Things are not always what they seem is the mantra of mystery novels, but it's also a wise attitude for successful living. Too many people make decisions according to feelings, or they judge situations based only on what appears to be real. The Lord has given every believer a discerning spirit, so we can determine what is best.

 

Think about how many decisions a person makes in a day—choices about family, finances, work, etc. In an ideal world, a decision would have a correct choice and an incorrect one. As a result, it would be easy to make. In reality, however, what seems right is not always what's best.

 

Some things that are neither wrong nor sinful are still outside of God's will. Scripture doesn't contain specific directives regarding every possible life scenario. Instead, the Bible is filled with principles. At times, they're explained through stories and often through direct teaching.

 

Believers have the capacity to grow in spiritual maturity. Biblical principles together with guidance from the Holy Spirit become tools for making godly judgments. The question is not whether a certain choice looks good or feels right. It's whether or not a particular decision is God's will for that point in a person's life.

 

A well-developed spirit of discernment is essential for living in God's will. Without this sensitivity to the Lord's plan, a man or woman will take everything at face value. Many choices that look good and feel right are actually contrary to what God desires for a believer's life. For that reason, we must evaluate situations from a biblical perspective.

 

IN TOUCH MINISTRIES by Dr. Charles Stanley © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).

The Protective Power of Discernment

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)

Spiritual discernment protects us from deception. Sin is always dressed up to look tempting. So if we think that what looks good and feels right must be okay, then we're in danger of being misled. When Satan tempts us, he never mentions consequences or negative impacts.

Spiritual discernment is our God-given capacity to judge what is right and wrong. It protects us from the suffering that goes along with disobedience. Ignoring anxiety in our spirit—which Dr. Stanley calls "spiritual static"—is a step onto the pathway of sin.

When looking for a radio station, we want clear reception. The same is true in life. We need a clear connection to the Holy Spirit. It will give us a sense of peace and assurance that we're doing the right thing.

Sometimes an opportunity might appear harmless or, more likely, very appealing. But if the Holy Spirit inside us sends a signal not to pursue that opportunity, then we shouldn't. For some reason, God does not want us in the situation. And though we can wonder, we may never know what danger we avoided by being obedient.

Sin does not initially appear as the ugly, deceitful disobedience it is. Instead, it comes wrapped in a pretty package that can be hard to resist. God's children can see past the glitter and false beauty if they choose to look. This spiritual wisdom comes only as the result of a clean heart and discerning spirit. A smart believer makes prayer, repentance, and biblical training a regular part of his or her routine.

 

IN TOUCH MINISTRIES by Dr. Charles Stanley © 2006. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).