TODAY’S INSPIRATION: DISCERNMENT

Because we live in a world of modern technology, information is right at our fingertips. We also have the opportunity to learn from those among us who are wise and full of wisdom. However, just receiving information is not enough. Once we obtain information, it is our choice on weather we use it, how we use it, and when we use it. Some choose to do nothing. Others take it in and use it to make smart decisions, they have the ability to determine who is trustworthy, they seem to always have the perfect advice for a situation. The world calls them wise. If they are young, the world says they are wise beyond their years. They have wisdom. When this gift comes from God, it is called discernment, and it is a kind of wisdom that comes from insight as much as from learned experience and knowledge. In the Christian faith, it comes from the Holy Spirit, and is a way of having insight in determining the true nature of a situation, person, or thing.
People with the spiritual gift of discernment have it, though wisdom and discernment can be given to those who ask for it as well. Discernment is a tool God gives believers as they walk through life, though it must be understood and the believer must follow the Lord’s leading to be useful. Discernment is given by the Holy Spirit, it can allow someone to know whether a demonic of heavenly influence is over a person, place, or event. Discernment is a gift that can be requested, used, or ignored. A good example is the Holy Bible. It is our guide for daily living, it has all the information we need to live a Christian life. However it is no use if we ignore it or if we read it but do not apply it to our lives. In the New Testament, there are many verses about the difference between worldly wisdom and true discernment, warning Christians to lean on the Spirit for guidance rather than what the world says is right and wrong. In 1 Kings, 3:9, God offered King Solomon anything in the world and his answer was, "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” God granted him this wisdom. And because of his wisdom and his ability to discern, he became famous and a rich man.
Discernment starts with prayer. Just like Solomon requested wisdom, the believer should ask the Spirit for guidance and discernment. We should also be willing to learn from those who are older and wiser. Consulting God in prayer, asking wise believers for their input, and reading the Scripture helps cultivate a spirit of discernment. Applying this wisdom is where the life of a believer makes the difference. Think about it, Solomon with all his wisdom, did not apply this wisdom when it came to his wives, and we see how that turned out.Christians who use spiritual wisdom, and listens to the Holy Spirit will show the characteristics of someone wise and Christ-like. Jesus showed discernment. He also taught and emphasized not seeking the wisdom of the world, which clouds true discernment.Contrary to what some may think,you don't have to have a PHD to have discernment. The wise Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of the time, were unable to identify Jesus Christ as the Messiah because they were too wrapped up in their own knowledge. As my mom used to say, "to smart for your own good." However those that the culture viewed as uneducated, simple, or foolish saw the truth. Jesus even said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” (Matthew 11:25). The more wisdom and discernment a Christian exercises, the stronger his or her faith. When we obtain and use our gift of discernment, we are able to determine what is right, good, and God’s will. We manifest our love for God and others just like Jesus. Love and Blessings...

Proverbs 8:5 "O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense."

Job 12:20 - “He deprives of speech those who are trusted and takes away the discernment of the elders.”

Philippians 1:9-10 - “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,  so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

Hebrews 5:14 - “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.