When your power of discernment needs to be trained

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
(Heb. 5:14 ESV)

Discernment Must Be Trained

Discernment is the ability to recognize the difference between truth and error, wisdom and foolishness, and good and evil. Scripture says this ability is trained by constant practice.

The more familiar you become with God’s Word, the easier it becomes to recognize something that does not agree with it.

Test What You Hear

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1 ESV)

Not everything that sounds spiritual is from God. Test what you hear against Scripture. Popularity, sincerity, and persuasive words are never substitutes for truth.

Discern What Is Excellent

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…” (Phil. 1:9-10 ESV)

Discernment is not only recognizing what is wrong; it is also recognizing what is best.

Ask God for Understanding

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind… that I may discern between good and evil…”
(1 Kings 3:9 ESV)

Like Solomon, ask God for understanding. Before making a decision, ask: Does this agree with God’s Word? Does it honor Christ? Is it wise and pleasing to God?

Therefore

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Call to Action

Train your discernment every day. Read God’s Word, pray for wisdom, test what you hear, and put God’s truth into practice.

Quote

“One of the most subtle burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls.” - Oswald Chambers