Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Malachi 3:16-18
The discerning sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. Proverbs17:24
Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. Proverbs 23:4
(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:9-11
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14
Discernment is an aspect of a mature character. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Discernment comes from learning the correct lessons from trials and tribulation. Discernment is something we all should want and work towards. It is something we should ask the Holy Spirit for. What is it exactly?
The Greek word translated discern is δοκιμάζω dokimazo meaning ‘I put to the test, prove, examine; I distinguish by testing, approve after testing; I am fit.’ When we bring these types of things to the Holy Spirit with questions He is able to help us understand the truth of the matter. Often times He leads us with questions so that we will seek the deeper truths with Him.
Evil is actually pretty easy to detect as anyone familiar with the Holy Spirit and His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) can utilize them as a standard. If it doesn’t fit within those fruit characteristics but actually does the opposite then you know where it stems from. Those nine fruit are the standard that describes His kingdom. Each separate fruit of the nine has it’s own characteristics and depth. The more you learn those fruit in depth the quicker you are able to discern what is NOT them.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10
Jesus spoke about our adversary in this way …
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44
The father of lies is a good description. How do you discern a lie? By the Truth. A lie is easier to detect when the Truth is actually living within you and you have daily conversations with Him, where you are learning daily from Him. Do you now understand how important that relationship is?
Now imagine you’re standing in the middle of a mined battlefield with bombs going off and bullets wizzing by you… where do you step next? What if you had someone in your ear who could tell you exactly where to step next knowing the safe route through the minefield / battlefield, wouldn’t that be helpful? Can you hear Him?
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Today walk with Him constantly asking Him questions. Work on the depth of that relationship. Listen ….