How to Add the Essential Quality of Discernment

Discernment is defined by these words: the ability to perceive and understand things, especially those things that might seem hidden. Discernment takes concentration, patience and thought.

We live in a world of snap judgments and overreactions. Personal conflicts, susceptibility to false teaching and misinformation and poor judgment are the fruit of a life that lacks discernment.

So, how can we be more discerning in our daily lives?

Abide in the truth

Jesus told his disciples on more than one occasion to abide in the word or to abide in him. This means we are to live in the word of God. We read it, study it and meditate on it. We pray it and repeat it. Measuring everything in life by the words of God will help us live by a standard of timeless truth. It is that truth that we seek as we encounter difficult circumstances, mysteries and the flood of information (true and false) that inundates our lives.

Be quiet

Our time with God is sometimes called quiet time. It is a time without distraction. No music, no media, no noise. It is in these moments that we can experience the presence and impressions and direction God wants to impart to us.

Eliminate

Social media is awash with false information of all sorts. We know that malevolent actors are in our world sowing discord. They introduce anger inducing posts that are designed to divide us. False theological thoughts abound therein. As I write this, I recognize that you might have found this post through social media. There is good and bad on social media of course, so we must learn what to listen to and what to ignore.

I see shared posts all the time with colorful backgrounds and troubling ‘facts.’ Where do these posts come from? Taking the time to investigate them exercises the discernment that is necessary to sort through what is true and what is false, incomplete or misleading.

Slow down

Reaction is easy. We see something we like or don’t like and we react or respond immediately. Taking the time to think about what we see or read is important. In nearly every situation you are experiencing just one side of the whole story. What else is there? What is another perspective that you might not have thought about? It’s not that we should question everything, but it is important for understanding to take the time to comprehend the content, context and purpose of all we experience.

Danger ahead

Many followers of Jesus have been swept up in conspiracy theories, partial truths and outright lies because they lacked the discernment needed to get to the truth. When we do this, our witness erodes and the love of Jesus often fails to shine through our lives.

Safe and reliable information is out there. It is so important to recognize it. To avoid the danger, stay grounded in the Bible, listen to reliable witnesses – people you know and trust. Be wary of celebrity theology. Be wary of simplistic applications of God’s word. While God’s word is clear it is not always simple or easy. Bible verses are often taken way out of context to support a particular viewpoint. That is why it is so essential that you read your Bible and know your Bible. Knowing the Bible will help you spot counterfeit teaching and keep you out of trouble.

Pray

Start and finish your day with prayer and pray all the time. Ask God to give you discernment so you can understand the truth and maintain your positive witness in the world.

Be willing to change

Discernment will cause you to change. Growing in spiritual maturity is a journey of change. Accept that reality! We must all admit that we have been wrong before and we will be wrong again. We are human. Perfect judgment and comprehension of every aspect of the truth belongs to God, not to us. When you are wrong, repent and take the next step forward.

Followers of Jesus must be discerning. Decide today to do everything you need to do to continually increase discernment in your life.