One of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of spiritual growth is discernment. In a world overflowing with voices, opinions, and spiritual expressions, the ability to distinguish between truth and error, light and darkness, is not just useful—it’s essential. Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” This tells us that discernment is a mark of maturity in the believer’s life. But how exactly do we develop a discerning spirit?
Let’s explore this vital subject together.
1. Stay Rooted in the Word of God
Discernment begins with a deep relationship with Scripture. The Bible is the lens through which all things must be examined. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Without the Word, we walk in darkness and risk calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20).
If you want to grow in discernment, you must become a student of the Word—not just reading it casually, but studying it prayerfully, consistently, and with the Holy Spirit’s help.
2. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). He guides us into all truth and gives us insight that the natural mind cannot comprehend. A discerning spirit is not merely intellectual—it is spirit-led.
Spend time in prayer, especially in quiet listening prayer. Ask the Lord to teach you His ways and to expose any deception or manipulation in your life or surroundings. Paul prayed in Philippians 1:9–10, “that your love may abound…in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent.”
3. Practice Obedience, Not Just Observation
Spiritual discernment is not just knowing what is right and wrong—it’s having the courage to act on it. Jesus said in John 7:17, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God.” Obedience unlocks deeper levels of understanding.
Every time you obey God’s voice, you train your spiritual senses to discern more clearly.
4. Test All Things
1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” Don’t accept every teaching, prophecy, or spiritual trend without examination. Even in church or Christian media, deception can subtly creep in.
Ask questions:
-
Does this align with Scripture?
-
Does it glorify Christ or exalt man?
-
What fruit does it produce—freedom or bondage, humility or pride?
Discernment is not suspicion, but spirit-led evaluation.
5. Surround Yourself with Wise Counsel
Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise.” A discerning person seeks out mentors and mature believers who have walked with God and learned His voice. They won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
God often confirms His direction through others who are spiritually grounded and balanced.
6. Be Willing to Grow in Humility
Pride is one of the biggest enemies of discernment. When you’re convinced you already know it all, you’re most vulnerable to deception. A discerning spirit is cultivated in humility, always willing to learn, correct, and grow.
James 1:21 says, “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” A soft, teachable heart is fertile ground for discernment to flourish.
7. Train Your Spirit Through Prayer and Fasting
Discernment is sharpened when the flesh is silenced. Prayer and fasting create spiritual sensitivity. Jesus said in Mark 9:29 that some breakthroughs only come by prayer and fasting. These spiritual disciplines help you tune out the noise of the world and tune into the still small voice of God.
Final Thoughts
In these last days, discernment is not optional—it’s survival. False teachers, counterfeit signs, cultural confusion, and moral compromise are everywhere. But as children of God, we are not called to be tossed to and fro. We are called to be anchored in truth, led by the Spirit, and wise in our judgments.
Let this be your prayer:
“Lord, give me a discerning heart. Teach me to recognize Your voice and walk in Your truth. Sharpen my spirit and open my eyes to see what You see. Help me not just to know the truth—but to live it, love it, and defend it.”
Amen.
Leave a Comment