An ABC of Faith

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.

Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil."

It was Oswald Chambers who said, “If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and your eyes will be opened. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbour, full of joy, but always tied to the dock. You have to get out past the harbour into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself— begin to have spiritual discernment. Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.”

For us discernment has to be discovering and articulating how God is moving in our lives. We listen deeply together to identify how the spirit is guiding us in our daily steps and major life moves. It is the sorting/sifting through all our desires, voices, wants, and needs bombarding our soul and choosing what is best draws us towards God.

We all want to make the best decisions whether they are significant life changing ones or discerning how to best live in everyday life. Discernment is more than decision making. To discern in Latin means to discernere  - dis = apart and cernere = to separate. We make a choice but as believers we take in all the meanings, consequences, and God’s will into the decision.

We often think of discernment in the major, life-changing decision in life and rightfully so. But should we be a more discerning people in the everyday circumstances too.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father instil in me a desire to know You more and to study Your word diligently and prayerfully, so that I may be approved unto God. Help me to examine all things carefully and to hold fast to all that is good, genuine and true -a