The Art of Discernment

The Art of Discernment

Watch out that no one deceives you. Matthew 24:4

This verse is a clear call to discernment, urging believers to be vigilant against deception. In the context of Matthew 24, Jesus is speaking about the end times and the challenges that will arise, including false prophets and misleading teachings. Discernment, therefore, becomes crucial for navigating these tumultuous times.

Discern is a word most people do not use anymore. Let’s face it, the art of discernment is kind of a soft process not typically found in a boardroom, a high-tech company, or a university setting. The phrase does not lend itself to clear decisions or detailed plans.

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons

Sadly many sheep have gotten lost and Christ must return to lead them and a unified Church on the most important mission: realizing heaven on Earth through the building of God's Kingdom. Today I want to explore why so many sheep are lost and how Pastors and other students of the Gospels can learn and teach the art of discernment to their communities. In these times this teaching is essential as we the good people of God are under a constant barrage of attacks from the devil. The devil is attacking relentlessly now because Satan know he will lose and he's scared of facing judgment. Satan is not to be feared but he is dangerous and we must respect the danger of pure evil.

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men and women will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy. 2 Timothy 3:1-2

What is Discernment?

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Discernment is the ability to judge well, to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong. It is a spiritual gift that allows believers to see beyond the surface, to understand the deeper truths of God's word, and to recognize the subtle ways in which deception can creep in. In a world filled with conflicting messages and ideologies, discernment helps us to stay grounded in our faith and aligned with God's will. God wants to play a role in our decisions and that through discernment we can make decisions that are aligned with God’s will for us.

Discernment is the practice of listening for the guidance of the Spirit calling us to wise action on behalf of the world. It is contemplative in nature and, as such, counter to our corporate quick-fix culture. Instead of doing more, it asks us to simply be and trust in the pause. I realize that this is like asking an addict to stop their addiction. But it is the faithful way forward.

Discernment is a way to perceive the Wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-6) that God speaks to us all day long in the Scripture and the books we read, nature, people, and events. We need to be rooted in prayer and part of a faith community, seeking to read the signs and recognize the Lord's quiet voice.

Be Here Now

We can only see this world of Grace around us by aligning our hearts with our bodies and our minds. Our intellect is wired to either live in the past or the future. But our bodies live in the present moment. Any theologian worth their salt will say that it is only in the present moment that God can make God’s-self known. “Be here now” as the new-agers say, is actually good theology. The art of discernment calls us to reacquaint ourselves to the wisdom of our bodies. Once we can access that wisdom we can ask the following questions.

Discernment is not passive but requires active engagement. Believers must be rooted in the Scriptures, continually seeking wisdom through prayer and study, and remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This vigilance protects against the influence of false teachings that may appear attractive but ultimately lead away from the truth of the Gospel.

In practical terms, discernment involves a few key aspects:

1. Knowing God's Word: A deep understanding of Scripture is the foundation of discernment. By knowing the Bible well, believers can measure any teaching or message against the truth of God's word.

2. Prayer and Seeking Guidance: Discernment is not just intellectual but also spiritual. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, asking for wisdom, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

3. Testing the Spirits: As 1 John 4:1 advises, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." This means evaluating teachings and messages to ensure they align with God's truth.

4. Community and Accountability: Discernment is strengthened within the context of a faith community. Fellow believers can provide insight, correction, and support, helping each other to stay on the path of truth.

Discernment is essential in maintaining a faithful walk with Christ. It guards against the deceptions that seek to lead believers astray and ensures that our faith remains anchored in the truth. In a world where falsehood often masquerades as truth, the ability to discern is a precious gift that enables us to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and grace.