On Discernment
& the practice of knowing the difference between right & almost right
Generally speaking, to have discernment means to have the ability to “judge well”. To recognize the moral. To recognize the practical outcome.
It’s more than a habit of making good decisions. You’ll find yourself in-between real & fake. True & false. Thoughts & motives. The things of this world & the Kingdom of Heaven.
In short. It’s the ability to make a choice in the present moment + foresee the potential outcome. It’s the ability to anticipate an outcome ahead of time & ultimately sense God’s heart & purpose in any given moment.
Discernment is not knowing the difference between right & wrong. It is knowing the difference between right & almost right. — Charles Spurgeon.
In life, we struggle with discernement.
We question the big: What is God’s “will” & “purpose” & “calling” for my life?
We question the small: What should I do? What’s the best decision?
Truth is…
discernment takes place long before we ever actually make a choice.
SO HOW DO WE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE?
We shape our framework for making decisions. When facing a decision, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. God’s word washes, cleanses us, & sets us straight.
WE GET TO PRACTICE DISCERNMENT WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD
For the Lord gives [skillful & godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge & understanding. He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him]; Proverbs 2:6-7
WE CAN TRUST HIM TO GUARD & PROTECT US.
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character & moral courage], He guards the paths of justice; And He preserves the way of His saints (believers). Proverbs 2:8
WE CAN TRUST GOD TO ESTABLISH OUR STEPS.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
WE CAN STAY CLOSE TO HIM.
Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for[otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
WE HAVE SO MUCH FREEDOM AS WE STAY IN STEP WITH GOD.
I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts. Psalm 119:45
DISCERN YOUR WAY TO THE END
Almost all of the disciples had struggles & challenges, but they discerned their way to the end.
In Proverbs 16, we see the steps might not be easy, but God says, “I’m getting you somewhere. I’m not wasting this.” So I can trust Him in that.
Proverbs 16:9. We plan our way. That’s our responsibility. We can’t just sit back & expect the Holy Spirit to guide us if we aren’t showing up in that relationship. Our job is to go out & plant & take steps. Spiritual life is always a life in motion. Even if that motion is to sit still & wait. You can intentionally do that. But mostly its about MOVING.
A note: The goal isn’t to try & make the best decision — but the best decision in the moment. & if you’re someone who actively takes next steps, your choices aren’t necessarily between right and wrong. They’re between good & better.
a few kind reminders:
OUR GOD IS WAY BIGGER THAN YOU THINK HE IS.
If you don’t make the right decision, your life is not going to fall apart. That’s not what a good father does! His heart says, “I care for you. I’m with you. I’m going to protect you. “
WITH ANY DECISION YOU MAKE: YOU CAN UNMAKE A DECISION.
& you can remake a new decision.
SPEND TIME WITH GOD’S PEOPLE
The church is to be the center of a Christian’s life. & Jesus is at the center of the Church. We can talk to others to help us figure things out.
John 14 tells us the Holy Spirit will teach you all things & to remind you of what is true. What Jesus has already shown & trained us.
We are transformed by God’s word & we need a community of people to help us. Don’t listen to the wrong people.
WHAT DISCERNMENT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE
Sitting back & saying I’m going to wait for God to show up. We don’t see that in the Bible! What we do see is people going about their life trusting God is in the middle of those decisions by faith.
“I’m not going to do anything until you tell me what to do.” What’s easier to get moving in the right direction? A ship that’s not moving or one that’s moving in the wrong direction? The latter. You just turn the rudder.
The Bible says we have powers of discernment. The Bible also says we have to develop them. Hebrews 5 tells us discernment is trained by constant practice.
Consider this: Certain people are musical or artistic by nature. But there’s a difference in having a natural ability & also training them.
— This looks like MAKING DECISIONS. Being in motion.
HOW DO WE GROW DISCERNMENT?
We make decisions! Here are some practical action steps for you!
pray about it
think about it
ask about it
do something
Regardless of how clear or unclear you decision seems, lay your decision before god in prayer. — David platt
IN SUMMARY
We get to make decisions that are informed by biblical thought, relational connections, & the life we’ve gone through. As we practice this, it becomes part of us. As we continue to practice this over & over, it becomes a part of who we are.
It’s no longer just a moment. It’s not just how we think. It’s not just a choice.
We can make wise decisions because we are Spirit led + in partnership with God.
Want to learn more? Listen to The Next Steps Podcast: Episode 09 GROWING IN DISCERNMENT