What is True Spiritual Discernment?

If you have a phone in your hand, I believe the first place you'll go to for definition is Google. What is discernment according to Google? It is the ability to judge well. Let's look at another definition from Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary:

Discern:
To distinguish; to see the difference between two or more things; to discriminate; as, to discern the blossom-buds from the leaf-buds of plants. To discover by the intellect; to distinguish; hence, to have knowledge of; to judge. To see or understand the difference; to make a distinction; as, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood.

Discernment:
The act of discerning; also, the power or faculty of the mind, by which it distinguishes one thing from another, as truth from falsehood, virtue from vice; acuteness of judgment; the power of perceiving differences of things or ideas, and their relations and tendencies.

Discernment is vital for making the right decision. How does it work? Let us examine the definitions above to find out the components of discernment and how they work together for someone to make wise choices. There are four building blocks of discernment:

1. Subject
   This is what is being presented in front of you e.g. an idea or a message. Every day you are presented with different situations, circumstances, people, places, paths to take, etc. Our lives as human beings is a life of making choices when we're presented with subjects.
   
   
2. Existing Information
   This is what you have learned throughout your life e.g. your personal experience, academic knowledge, what you've read, factual evidence, and truth.
   
   
3. Conclusion
   By comparing the subject with the existing information you possess or have obtained, you make your conclusions whether or not something is true/false, good/evil, right/wrong, etc.

These principles are applied today in all areas of our lives. Discernment has a significant impact on our destiny. 

In the scientific world, discernment is done using the scientific method. To arrive at the correct conclusion for the scientific hypothesis or theory, scientists, do research, collect and organize data, and conduct experiments. In the business world, decisions are made based on research and processing of existing business information to make decisions for the future. In military strategy, tactical decisions are made through the collection of information or intelligence. In the field of law, facts and evidence is crucial for judgment.

Science, business, military, law... they cannot run without information and choice. Their survival depends much on the decisions they make. Do we see how important discernment is?

What must we do to have better discernment?

1. The right discernment is not so much dependent on what we think or feel is right, but rather, what is proven by facts, evidence, and truth.
2. Therefore, we must know our facts by doing our own research.

In their missionary travels, Paul and Silas came upon the people of Berea. These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11. These people were open-minded, kind enough to listen to everyone, but always referred to the truth of Scripture to determine whether or not someone is telling the truth.

The Holy Scriptures were... given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... 2 Timothy 3:16. They are God's source of truth to the followers of Jesus Christ. It is the rule of sound judgment. Spiritual discernment is made by comparing a subject with the truths of the Bible. With it, you make choices that will determine your eternal destiny.

By reading, studying, and collecting information from the Word of God, experimenting and experiencing it through real-life applications, our wisdom and discernment are exercised and grown. 

Jesus said, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you... he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." John 14:26, 16:13. 

What exactly is the Truth? God's Word is Truth (John 17:17). The Holy Spirit will never teach anything that is contrary to the existing Scriptures. Every conclusion that we make must be in harmony with the writings of the Bible.

In the brain's process of discernment, the Holy Spirit will bring into remembrance what you have learned and experienced from God's Word of Truth. This information equips you with sound judgment and Godly discernment. 

What must you do to have the correct form of Spiritual Discernment?

1. Commit yourself to God and the study of His truth.
2. Pray to God for the Spirit's guidance for every decision you make.
3. Make the right choices through Christ who strengthens you.
4. If someone gives you advice or counsel, test it against the Word of God.

Avoid these things:

1. Do not depend on how something feels to tell you whether it is right or wrong. Eve saw that was the fruit was good for food and pleasant to the eyes... Not everything that glitters is gold.
2. Never trust your heart, trust the Word of God.
3. Do not try to please people when making decisions, the safest path is to do what God says in His Word.

It is my prayer that you will dedicate your time to the study of God's truth, for your sake, and for the sake of those around you.