Learn to Discern

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14

Today, we have a generation of people who are not spiritually discerning. Many of us don’t know how to discern between good and evil or between someone that is righteous and someone wicked. We don’t know how to discern the times and seasons or discern between what is true and false. We judge appearances and surfaces and follow our instincts. Spiritual discernment is lacking in the Body of Christ, and many are suffering the consequences.

If we are going to impact this world for God’s glory and accomplish our mission and advance God’s kingdom, we must have our spiritual senses exercised to discern rightly. We can’t depend on our intelligence or our five physical senses. We must learn to depend solely on the Holy Spirit. Learning spiritual discernment takes practice and use. It takes you letting your thoughts, feelings, and agenda take a backseat to the purpose, truth, and will of God. It requires that you trust God’s leading and obey Him when He prompts you. It requires that you don’t judge the surface of anything, but you allow God’s Spirit to uncover the hidden things. It requires your total surrender to God and a commitment to the things of God.

To “discern” is defined as distinguishing, clear discrimination, discerning, and judging. It is not paranoia, and it is not nosiness. It is a true sensitivity to the Spirit of God, the voice of God, and His truth. God will help us become trained and developed in this area so that we are most effective in a dark world that needs light. Let Him train you to be spiritually discerning.

Prayer: Father God, I thank you that I have your Spirit in me. Teach me how to be spiritually discerning. Show me how to discern between good and evil, right and wrong. I want to be effective and useful in your kingdom. Teach me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Read Hebrews 4:12; Luke 12:56)