Discernment is an important concept in the Christian faith. It involves the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and good and evil. In a world filled with deception and confusion, it is crucial for believers to possess discernment. So, what does the Bible say about discernment? Let’s explore this topic and discover its significance in our lives.
Understanding the Concept of Discernment
Before delving into the biblical teachings on discernment, let’s first grasp its meaning. Discernment goes beyond mere intellectual understanding; it requires a spiritual sensitivity and wisdom from God. It involves a deeper insight into the spiritual realm and the ability to rightly judge situations and actions. Discernment allows us to make godly choices and avoid falling into traps set by the enemy.
When we talk about discernment, we are talking about a divine gift that enables us to see beyond the surface level. It is like having a pair of spiritual glasses that allow us to perceive the hidden truths and motives behind people’s actions. With discernment, we are able to navigate through the complexities of life and make decisions that align with God’s will.
Discernment is not something that can be achieved through human intellect or intuition alone. It is a gift that comes from seeking wisdom and understanding from God. Just as Proverbs 2:3-6 says, “Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
This biblical passage emphasizes the importance of actively seeking discernment. It encourages us to pursue wisdom and understanding as if we were searching for precious treasures. When we earnestly seek discernment from God, He grants us the ability to perceive the spiritual truths that are hidden from the natural eye.
Biblical Definition of Discernment
In essence, discernment is a result of seeking wisdom and understanding from God. It is not based on human intellect or intuition but on the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to pursue discernment and rely on God to grant us this vital spiritual gift.
When we look at the Bible, we see numerous examples of discernment in action. In the Old Testament, we read about Joseph, who was able to interpret dreams and discern the meaning behind them. In the New Testament, we see Jesus displaying discernment when He confronted the religious leaders and exposed their hypocrisy.
Discernment is not just about having knowledge; it is about having the ability to apply that knowledge in a way that pleases God. It is about being able to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and deception. It is about having the spiritual insight to recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance.
The Importance of Discernment in Christianity
Discernment plays a significant role in the life of a Christian. It helps us navigate the complexities of the world and make decisions that align with God’s will. In Ephesians 5:8-10, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to walk in the light and discern what pleases the Lord: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”
By exercising discernment, we can avoid being influenced by the darkness of the world and instead live a life that glorifies God. It enables us to distinguish between true and false teachings, identify deceptive tactics, and recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Discernment is not just a passive quality that we possess; it is something that we actively cultivate and develop. It requires us to be grounded in God’s Word and to have a deep relationship with Him. When we are intimately connected to God, we are better able to discern His voice and His will for our lives.
As we grow in discernment, we become more aware of the spiritual battles that are taking place around us. We are able to recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand firm against his schemes. Discernment empowers us to live victoriously and to fulfill the purposes that God has for us.
Discernment in the Old Testament
The Old Testament provides several examples of discernment in action. Individuals such as Samuel, Solomon, and Daniel demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand God’s will and make wise judgments. Let’s explore some instances and the lessons we can learn from them.
Instances of Discernment in the Old Testament
Samuel, the prophet and judge of Israel, is a prime example of discernment. In 1 Samuel 16, God sent Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. Despite initially being swayed by outward appearances, Samuel discerned that God had rejected Saul and selected David as the future king. Samuel’s discernment allowed him to make a crucial decision that aligned with God’s plan.
But what led Samuel to discern God’s will in this situation? It was not just his own wisdom or intuition, but rather his deep connection with God. Samuel had spent years cultivating a relationship with God, listening to His voice, and seeking His guidance. This spiritual discipline enabled Samuel to discern the truth and make a decision that had far-reaching consequences for the nation of Israel.
Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, also demonstrated discernment. In 1 Kings 3, when faced with two women claiming to be the mother of a baby, Solomon’s discernment led him to propose splitting the child in two to reveal the true mother. Through this act, Solomon determined the genuine love and maternal instinct of the woman who pleaded for the baby’s life.
But how did Solomon acquire such discernment? It was not merely a result of his intelligence or clever thinking. Solomon’s discernment was a gift from God, granted to him when he asked for wisdom to govern the people of Israel. His humble request pleased God, who not only granted him wisdom but also added riches and honor to his life.
Lessons on Discernment from the Old Testament
These instances of discernment in the Old Testament teach us valuable lessons. Firstly, discernment requires a dependence on God’s guidance rather than relying solely on our limited understanding. We may be tempted to trust our own instincts or follow the advice of others, but true discernment comes from seeking God’s wisdom and direction.
Secondly, discernment involves seeing beyond appearances to perceive the heart and intentions of individuals or situations. Both Samuel and Solomon were able to look past the surface and discern the truth. They understood that outward appearances can be deceiving and that true discernment requires a deeper level of insight.
Lastly, discernment empowers us to act in accordance with God’s will, even if it goes against popular opinion or conventional wisdom. Samuel’s decision to anoint David as king and Solomon’s ruling to spare the baby’s life were not choices that the world would necessarily understand or approve of. But their discernment allowed them to align themselves with God’s plan, even when it seemed counterintuitive.
As we reflect on these examples of discernment in the Old Testament, let us strive to cultivate a deeper connection with God, seek His wisdom, and trust in His guidance. May we be people who are known for our discernment, making wise judgments that align with God’s will and bring glory to His name.
Discernment in the New Testament
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of discernment in the life of a believer. Jesus Himself provides insights and examples of discernment that we can learn from.
Discernment, the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, is a crucial skill for every follower of Christ. It enables us to navigate the complexities of life and make wise decisions that align with God’s will. In the New Testament, we find numerous instances where discernment played a significant role in the lives of Jesus and the early Christians.
Instances of Discernment in the New Testament
One of the notable instances of discernment in the New Testament is Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees. The Pharisees were religious leaders who adhered strictly to traditional practices but lacked a genuine relationship with God. Jesus discerned their hypocrisy and challenged their false teachings, exposing their corrupt motives and misguided understanding of God’s Word.
Jesus’ discernment was not limited to the religious elite. He also demonstrated discernment in His interactions with individuals from all walks of life. For instance, in John 4, Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at a well. Through discernment, He recognized her deep spiritual thirst and engaged her in a conversation that led to her transformation and the salvation of many in her community.
Another example of discernment can be found in Acts 5 when Peter confronted Ananias and Sapphira for lying about their financial offering. Through the discernment given by the Holy Spirit, Peter recognized their deceit and delivered a stern rebuke. This act of discernment highlighted the importance of honesty and integrity in the early Christian community.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul exemplified discernment in his ministry. In Acts 16, Paul encountered a slave girl who had a spirit of divination. Although she was proclaiming the truth about Paul and his companions, Paul discerned that her source of knowledge was not from God but from an evil spirit. He cast out the spirit, freeing the girl from bondage and restoring her to a life of true freedom in Christ.
Lessons on Discernment from the New Testament
From these examples, we learn that discernment requires attentiveness to the Holy Spirit’s leading and a commitment to upholding truth and righteousness. It also reminds us of the need to confront falsehood and deception within the church, just as Jesus and the early apostles did.
Discernment is not a passive attribute but an active pursuit. It involves studying and meditating on God’s Word, seeking wisdom through prayer, and cultivating a sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in discernment, we become better equipped to navigate the complexities of our world and make choices that honor God and align with His purposes.
Moreover, discernment is not just for our personal benefit; it is also meant to be exercised within the community of believers. We are called to discern false teachings, expose deception, and protect the integrity of the Church. This requires courage, humility, and a commitment to the truth, even when it may be unpopular or challenging.
Ultimately, discernment is a gift from God that enables us to walk in wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of deception. It is a vital aspect of our spiritual journey, equipping us to live lives that bring glory to God and reflect His truth in a world filled with confusion and falsehood.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Discernment
In addition to the examples of discernment in the Bible, we cannot overlook the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in our journey of discernment.
The Holy Spirit as a Guide
When Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples in John 16:13, He said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” The Holy Spirit serves as our divine guide, illuminating God’s Word and revealing the hidden truths of spiritual matters.
As believers, we must cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking His guidance in all areas of life. By doing so, we open ourselves up to receiving the discernment needed to make decisions that honor God.
Discernment and Spiritual Gifts
Discernment is also closely tied to spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament, such as the gift of wisdom, knowledge, and distinguishing between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church and to equip believers for effective discernment in various situations.
Practical Applications of Biblical Discernment
Discernment is not just a theoretical concept; it has practical applications in our everyday lives.
Discernment in Everyday Life
Whether it’s choosing friends, making career decisions, or evaluating media influences, discernment helps us navigate the complexities of life. By seeking God’s wisdom and relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment, we can make choices that align with our values and honor God.
Discernment in Decision Making
Discernment is particularly crucial when it comes to decision-making. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom when facing difficult choices: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
When we seek God’s wisdom, coupled with discernment from the Holy Spirit, we can have confidence that our decisions will align with God’s will and lead to blessings in our lives.
In conclusion, the Bible places great importance on discernment for believers. It is not a skill we develop on our own but a gift bestowed by God through the Holy Spirit. By studying biblical examples of discernment and applying its principles in our lives, we can make informed decisions, avoid deception, and bring glory to God. May we all earnestly seek discernment and allow God to shape our hearts and minds according to His divine wisdom.
