Discernment

Ron Writes

Life is not always lived in black and white, but typically in shades of gray. Choices are often not obvious nor easy. Medical ethics often boil down to which of two bad decisions you should make. Discernment is essential to live the Christian life.  

Discernment means the ability to judge. It’s essential in making wise decisions. However, as Charles Spurgeon pointed out, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” Discernment takes knowledge and a depth of insight.  

Discernment is needed to know the difference between, “judge not” (Mt. 7:1) and “judge with righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24). It’s the ability to know how to balance “humility” and “confidence.” It knows the difference between “love believes all things” (1 Cor. 13:7) and “examine everything carefully” (1 Thes. 5:21). It’s amazing how many virtues seem to nearly contradict themselves. It’s the ability to know the difference between “trusting God” and “counting the cost.” Between being thrifty and being generous. Sometimes we need to express ourselves with candor and other times demand we show tact. The Bible demands that we rest but condemns laziness. “Answer a fool according to his folly” and “don’t answer a fool according to his folly”, are both found in Scripture, but to the one with discernment there is no contradiction.  

Discernment takes a commitment to the word of God and wisdom. God’s guidance and wisdom are essential in sorting out the complex situations of life. A mature Christian is expected, because of practice, to have their senses trained to discern good and evil (Heb. 5:14).  

“Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them” (Hos. 14:9).