Discernment

"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" 1 Corinthians 3:9

Discernment. This particular word, has been tugging at my heart for a couple of days since I read about it from the Bible. Here is the meaning as defined by the dictionary:

dis·cern (di sʉrn′, -zʉrn′)

transitive verb

1. to separate (a thing) mentally from another or others; recognize as separate or different
2. to perceive or recognize; make out clearly

Basically, what this means is the ability to tell apart or recognize separate distinctions in relation to a particular issue. So why then, is this ability to discern so important in our lives? More so, with our walk with God?

The ability to discern allows us to tell apart what is wrong from right. We do this constantly in our daily lives. Or do we? Sometimes, the ability to discern is overpowered by our own will to want to do something that is right in our own eyes but in fact, is actually otherwise. For example, when we cross a road, we tend to jaywalk more often than waiting for the traffic lights to change colors. Yes we may reach quickly to the other side but what if, due to our impatience, we are knocked down by a vehicle. In the first place, we know it is not right to cross a road without waiting for the change in the traffic light, but because of our will to hurry over, we pay the price of not discerning properly.

Spiritual discernment takes on a different meaning altogether. It is more difficult to do so, as compared to the example above. Yet, it is based on a simple understanding- knowing the heart of God. I say it is difficult because, many of us do not seek to know the heart of God. Without the constant seeking of His heart, we grow ever so close to not being able to listen to what God is speaking to us and would rather listen to what the world has to say to us. Let's ask ourselves a question at this point: when we face obstacles, who do we turn to first for help? People around us or to God?

"However, it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Many a times, we tend to look to outside sources first before looking to the source we have inside of us. The source we have inside of us is none other than the Spirit of God. God is everywhere. He is also, residing in our hearts too. And this my friend, is something we all tend to forget. He is that little voice talking to us but yet, we cannot fully hear it because we allow the ' loud outside voices' to drown His. But, if we continually seek His heart and listen to Him, then the above verses tells us that we will understand what He has prepared for us. Otherwise, we will be like the foolish man who is without the Spirit and does not receive the things that come from the Spirit of God(v14)

The consequences for not being able to spiritually discern, is far greater than that of being knocked down by a vehicle(as mentioned in the example above).

"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law" Galatians 5:17-18

Paul goes on to list the acts of sinful nature and the list, is not exhaustive. He also points out clearly that, delving in the sinful nature will result in us not inheriting the kingdom of God(v21).

So how then, are able to go about achieving the ability to spiritually discern? Firstly, we must acknowledge that we have the same anointing in this area. That as children of God we all have this ability. It is a matter of how we attain it. Thus, we have to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. Clearly, this would aid us in understanding the heart of our God. In addition, we have to start living inside out and not the other way around. As we are starting out doing so, we will make mistakes. However, it is through this trial and error and over time, we will be able to make better decisions. It is this step in faith that God wants us to grow as we learn more about His heart and as that little voice grows loud enough to drown the 'outside voices'.

This allows us to be more intimate with God with the choices we make and the discernment we receive. The choices we make, determines our growing ability to live like God inside out.

"The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instructions" Proverbs 21

This should be our goal. The Godly wisdom we receive for discerning should not only improve ourselves, but also the people around us.

In His grip and fervour,

Mark Kesavan