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Discernment

April 11, 2025

Discernment is one of those simple words that carries an immense weight. Using it brings with it discussion, debate, and difficulty defining.

For Christians, it is one of the key attributes of a maturing Christian.

A Google search gave these steps for getting discernment:

  1. Prayer: Seeking God’s wisdom and guidance through prayer.
  2. Study of Scripture: Familiarizing oneself with God’s Word and seeking understanding. 
  3. Seeking God’s Guidance: Actively listening to the Holy Spirit and acting on His promptings. 
  4. Living a Life of Obedience: Living a life that pleases God, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in one’s life.

That’s a great list.  I don’t think there is much to add. Throughout the Bible, we see multiple examples of having and using discernment:

The Shunammite woman discerned that Elisha was a holy prophet of God. 2 Kings 4:9 

The woman of Samaria perceived (discerned) that Jesus Christ was more than a mere man. John 4:19, 42 

Micaiah discerned that a lying spirit was responsible for false prophecy. 1 Kings 22:19–23 and 2 Chronicles 18:18–22 

Jesus discerned the thoughts and intents of hearts. John 2:24-25 

Over the break, I read The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher.  I highly recommend it.  In Chapter 1, he wrote, “The person you see isn’t the person you’re talking to.”   

Jesus understood this, and we must too. This is one of the keys to discernment.

I believe many of us might say that we feel that we are a discerning person, but unless we are following the four steps above, our discernment is not of the Lord and cannot be fully trusted to help us navigate life in God’s way.

Truth? Falsehood? What to do? What not to do? Who to trust and who not to?  

Are we willing to risk it on our own, or would we rather trust in the leading of a God who loves us and knows what is best?

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

Many of you may have heard or even watched already the new Amazon Prime Video show, “House of David.” I have not seen it yet and truly didn’t plan to, but then I saw this article by a man whose discernment I value, author and pastor Tim Challies: “Can Christians Watch “House of David?”

I share it not to convince you to watch, but because of the way he addresses the issue of Christians being mindful and deliberate about their decisions.

I pray you each have a restful and discerning weekend.

Mr. David McClain, Head of School at FCS, shares insights relating to Christian education, biblical worldview, building Christian character, and current events. Read the Weekly Words archives here.