Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. It is basic to having Godly wisdom. The act of perceiving something; a power to see what is not evident to the average mind. I call it the ability to see, hear and distinguish truth from lies or good from evil, or difference between light and dark. Its “wisdom from above” It’s not a feeling, or emotional state, it’s spiritual knowledge from God James 3:17.
DON’T Be DECIEVED
The world’s way of getting wisdom or discernment is different from God’s way. The learned of the world gain knowledge and apply reason to knowledge to solve problems, create philosophies. But that’s not how God reveals knowledge of Himself.
Spiritual Discernment is Relational
Spiritual discernment or wisdom comes from knowing the truth of Jesus Christ James 1:5. Being saved is not enough, spiritual discernment is relational. It comes from time spent with Jesus by reading the bible, meditating and reflecting on His words, Hebrews 5:14, Proverbs 1:7. It’s about spiritual maturation, so any believer who continually focuses on the Word of God is spiritually discerning Hebrews 5:14. Even then, God must reveal it to us.
Spiritual Discernment is a Gift
The ability to distinguish between spirits is also one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. It’s one of the spiritual gifts dispersed by the Spirit of God to some believers for the benefit of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit has bestowed upon some in the body of Christ the unique ability to spot the false doctrine that has plagued the church since its beginning. While you cannot choose your gift as God apportions them as He desires to believers. You can pray and petition God for a spiritual gift to be used for the benefit of the church and the glory of Christ. There’s no room for self-choice or requesting for self-gratification, it’s always for the glory of God according to His plan.
My Testimony of Spiritual Discernment
Not long after, God spoke to me and I committed myself to knowing the God I serve, I asked Him for spiritual discernment. I was only 13 years old. I told Him I did not want to be deceived in my quest to know Him. He told me to listen and watch for truth and to always trust Him Proverbs 3:5. God gives believers spiritual discernment so that they are not deceived, 1 John 4:1. Many false preachers and teachers have gone into the world. God tells us “various evil spirits are in this world” and we are to “test them to see what sort they are”.
Because of spiritual blindness most people are unaware of evil in their presence. I recognize errors or lies and truth when I listen to someone speaking especially when they speak on the word of God. We’re supposed to encourage those who hold the truth of God righteously; I am unafraid to correct or announce to warn anyone about those who speak lies and deceit. God doesn’t want anyone to be deceived, and nor do I.
Biblical Examples
Peter discerned the spirit of two believers who were liars, and the Holy Spirit killed them on the spot. This was for the glory of God and His power for the discipline and growth of the church, not Peter Acts 5:1-6. While myself and others may discern lies, deceit and other spirits, I’ve yet to see the Holy Spirit strike someone down.
King Solomon was known for his power of discernment, making many wise decisions and moral judgments 1 Kings 3:9, 11. King Solomon prayed for discernment. Believers are supposed to be discerning as well. Paul prayed for believers “to discern what is best . . . until the day of Christ” Philippians 1:10.
The Need for Discernment
Unfortunately, in these times, we see many naïve Christians who are unsure what or who they believe. Satan is having a field day with them. Lack of spiritual discernment results in church attendance falling and church closing increasing. These are the last days.