The basis of discernment
Hebrews 4:12-13
Since spiritual discernment is the ability to see life from God’s perspective, we need to know how He thinks and acts. THE Bible is his immutable and infallible revelation of himself. However, the Lord does not simply provide us with a list of facts about His character and ways. Throughout the pages of Scripture he illustrates who he is and how he operates.
Although the Bible is ancient, it is not a dead book. It’s alive and as fresh as if he were speaking to you directly. The stories may have taken place centuries ago, but the principles and applications are current and relevant. It is our instruction book on how to live. Guidance for decisions and discernment about situations is found from Genesis to Revelation.
There Word of God is active and piercing. The words don’t just sit on the page. They enter our hearts and judge our thoughts and motives. This compelling quality is why some people don’t like read the Bible. But discernment is essential if we don’t want to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Some Christians live on the surface, never understanding why they react the way they do to situations. But if we approach the Word of God with an open mind, it will bring to light our hidden motivations and reveal unrecognized sins.
Spiritual discernment involves seeing not only our circumstances but also ourselves from God’s perspective. Have you learned to embrace the piercing sword of Scripture or have you avoided doing so because it makes you uncomfortable? Remember, the Word of God only cuts to heal.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
