One of the questions I ask people before I give spiritual direction is whether they are open to supernatural ministry. This is because I sometimes invite God to give them leadings in a direction session. The most common response is something to the effect that they are cautious but open as long as there is some discernment or wisdom applied to the situation. I suspect that the majority of Christians have this view and it is a good one.
Scripture is clear that discernment should be exercised in spiritual matters, not just spiritual gifts. Phil 1:9 states: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Thus, Paul desires that believers grow in discernment, presumably for every area of their spiritual life. I Cor. 2:14-15a further explains “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” Thus, if we want to understand the things of God we need spiritual discernment.
Discernment is not such a popular practice in groups because it seems negative. If someone says something that sounds off it takes some courage to be the one who voices a concern, especially when everyone else seems to approve. Nearly all the Greek words for discernment in the New Testament are based on the Greek word for judging (krino). Discernment is judging and judging can hurt people’s feelings. But this is something we must to do mature. So we need to create an environment and mindset in our groups that discernment is okay. I Cor. 14:29 gives an example of discernment in a group “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” The Greek word for “weigh” is the same one also translated as “discernment”.
If we want people to accept the practice of discernment, whether it relates to a biblical truth or to an action, especially actions that involve the supernatural, then people need to know that when someone examines their idea or action it is not personal. Instead, we need to be humble and welcome scrutiny. Furthermore, people need to understand that it is okay to be wrong. Who will take the risk of expressing their idea if they have to be right all the time? Instead, we should value risk taking and not project any kind of shame on anyone just because their idea is not accepted. We can even speak a word of encouragement that they are contributing.
People sometimes want to insist on their interpretation of a passage or an action because they think they have the right to their own view without the input of others. But this is self-centered and keeps people immature. It is often influenced by the cultural idea that there is no such thing as objective truth and that everyone’s own subjective views are legitimate. Of course, this is not compatible with the truth that God Himself is the truth and we are just learning His truth. We do not have permission from God to just dwell in our own little box.
We also know from Scripture that it takes time to learn discernment. It is a skill that comes with maturity: “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) Therefore, we can’t expect to be good at discernment when we start. It takes time and experience. Historically, discernment was one of the most prized Christian traits and came with maturity. This is a contrast to some today who teach simple one-step principles of discernment like “If it seems like the voice in your head is coming from somewhere else and it fits with Scripture then it is from God.” This kind of teaching can be very misleading and destructive for someone’s life.
When we reflect on the practice of discernment we realize that discernment actually leads to freedom! As I mentioned at the outset there are many people who are cautious but willing to open up to the spontaneous move of God if discernment is in place. Don’t we want to invite those people into more of God’s gifts? When discernment is practiced it creates spiritual safety for everyone because they know that the group is not going to approve anything that will mislead or hurt people. It’s like rails for a train. Do rails restrict a train or give it freedom?
Likewise, discernment smooths the way for people to take more chances as they try to hear God or discover His truth. If we explain the principles of discernment up front then people will know that discernment is encouraged. Then the powerful edification that comes through spiritual gifts and understanding God’s truth can flourish. The group will begin to become a collection of many players all functioning as a team, as one body.
Next week we will look at specific principles of discernment.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV.
