Increasing spiritual discernment is an important goal for many Christians seeking to grow in their faith and relationship with God. Discernment is the ability to judge wisely and make good decisions, especially in spiritual matters. The Bible has much to say about discernment and provides guidance on how to develop it.
First, we must understand that true discernment ultimately comes from God. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” As we seek God through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience, He will grant discernment and reveal truth to us (James 1:5, John 16:13). Relying on the Holy Spirit rather than our own wisdom is key.
An important step is examining our motivations. We should ask God to purify our hearts and remove any selfish ambitions or sinful desires that cloud judgement (Psalm 139:23-24). Pride and self-interest often distort discernment.
We also need to be grounded in God’s Word. Regular Bible study trains us to distinguish truth from deception (Hebrews 4:12). Knowing Scripture helps us identify false teaching and rely on biblical wisdom for decisions (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We develop discernment as we renew our minds through God’s truth (Romans 12:2).
In addition, we should seek wise counsel from mature believers. Fellow Christians can provide valuable perspective and raise issues we may overlook (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22). Experienced mentors can help us evaluate situations biblically and make wise choices (Titus 2:2-6).
Furthermore, we must exercise discernment consistently to develop it. With each choice or situation, we should pause to seek God’s guidance in prayer and consult Scripture. Over time, regularly applying God’s truth trains us to discern His voice and will (Hebrews 5:14). Staying connected to God day by day is essential.
Discernment also involves carefully evaluating teachings, prophesies, and spiritual experiences against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22). We must test rather than blindly accept every message. And we should watch for spiritual fruit such as godly character, not just miraculous signs (Matthew 7:15-23).
In addition, fasting can sharpen spiritual discernment by making us more sensitive to God’s voice and decreasing distractions. As we deny ourselves food or activities, we focus more on prayer and reflection (Daniel 9:3, Acts 14:23). Fasting helps us tune out the world’s influence.
We also need to be on guard against sin and compromise, which can dull discernment. Seeking holiness and avoiding polluting influences keep our perspective clear (James 4:4, Romans 12:1-2). Staying spiritually sharp requires maintaining moral purity.
Furthermore, we should approach decisions and situations with humility, not brashness. Pride and arrogance undermine discernment. A teachable attitude recognizes our limited understanding and keeps us dependent on God rather than our own wisdom (Prov. 11:2, 16:18).
In summary, developing discernment requires pursuing an intimate relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, community, and consistent obedience. Depending on the Spirit’s leading is essential. Evaluating teachings and situations biblically also helps us gain spiritual perspective. As we walk closely with God, He will equip us with discernment to navigate challenges wisely.
With over 3,000 verses in Scripture speaking to discernment, God clearly wants us to grow in understanding His truth and hearing His voice. By making discernment a priority, we can gain insight that guides us to make choices that honor Him and align with His will. We protect ourselves from deception and danger when we devote ourselves to cultivating true spiritual discernment.
Staying grounded in God’s Word is crucial for developing discernment. Regular Bible study equips us to distinguish truth from falsehood and trains our minds to think biblically. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we renew our minds through Scripture, we gain discernment to navigate challenges wisely.
Seeking counsel from spiritually mature believers is also vital for gaining discernment. Fellow Christians who have walked long with God can provide wisdom and raise issues we overlook on our own. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). Experienced mentors help us evaluate situations biblically and make discerning choices. We sharpen one another “as iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).
In addition, we develop discernment by consistently applying it. Taking time to seek God’s guidance through prayer and reflect on His Word before making each choice trains us to discern His voice and will. With practice over time, we become better at distinguishing truth from deception. “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Staying connected to God daily is key.
Furthermore, fasting aids discernment by increasing spiritual sensitivity. When we temporarily deny ourselves food or activities, we reduce distractions to focus more intently on prayer and reflection. “While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding'” (Daniel 9:21-22). Fasting helps us tune out the world to tune into God’s voice.
In addition, exercising caution about what we allow into our minds guards against distorting influences. Just as a magnet loses its power when repeatedly exposed to polluting metals, our spiritual discernment suffers when we indulge in ungodly entertainment, relationships, or compromises. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). Maintaining moral purity and separation protects discernment.
Humility is also essential for discernment, since pride distorts perspective. Feeling we already understand all truth closes our minds to gaining new insight. “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). A teachable attitude recognizes our limited discernment and keeps us dependent on God’s wisdom rather than our own.
Careful evaluation is necessary when examining spiritual teachings and experiences. We must test rather than blindly accept messages, weighing them against Scripture’s timeless truth. “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). And we should look for godly character, not just signs and wonders. “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). Examining fruit takes time and discernment.
Finally, we must remember that discernment develops gradually through an ongoing walk with God. We may stumble at times as we learn to recognize His voice and test teachings against His Word. What’s important is maintaining humility and continually pursuing greater understanding through prayer, study, and obedience. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). True discernment flows from intimate relationship with God.
Increasing discernment requires commitment and vigilance, but the benefits are immense. As we grow in distinguishing truth from deception, we avoid danger and become equipped to walk in God’s will. We gain wisdom to make choices that please Him. Developing discernment leads to greater effectiveness in serving God and reaching others with the gospel. If we persist in pursuing discernment, it will enrich every area of life to the glory of God.
God cares deeply about our ability to exercise discernment and promises to give it to those who seek Him earnestly. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). By making discernment a priority through prayer, study, and obedience, we gain insight to navigate life’s challenges wisely and fulfill our purpose in God’s kingdom.
Growing in spiritual discernment requires filtering every situation and decision through the lens of Scripture rather than relying on emotions, logic, or societal norms. God’s Word trains our minds to think biblically as the Holy Spirit renews our hearts to value and follow His truth. Staying grounded in the Bible protects us from deception and empowers us to walk in step with the Spirit.
In addition, we sharpen discernment by seeking counsel from mature believers who have walked long with God. Their wisdom and objectivity help us gain perspective we lack on our own. “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). Allowing others to speak into our lives keeps us humble and helps us evaluate situations accurately.
Furthermore, consistent daily prayer, study, and obedience are essential for cultivating discernment. As we regularly devote time to communing with God and applying His Word, we become better able to recognize His voice and direction. Discernment develops gradually as we make spending time in Scripture a lifestyle. We must also guard our minds from ungodly influences that would distort our ability to discern truth.
In addition, fasting enhances discernment by reducing distractions and increasing focus on spiritual matters. Shutting out worldly noise through self-denial helps us tune into God’s voice more clearly. “Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way…God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the eyes of the chief official” (Daniel 1:8,9). Fasting fosters discernment.
Furthermore, we must approach decisions and situations with humility rather than self-sufficiency. Acknowledging we don’t have perfect understanding helps us remain teachable and dependent on God’s wisdom. “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). Arrogance undermines discernment, while humility recognizes our need for correction and guidance.
Testing teachings and spiritual experiences against Scripture is also key rather than blindly accepting them. Weighing messages against God’s Word enables us to identify deception and hold fast to truth. “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Examining fruit takes patience and careful discernment, but guards against falsehood.
In summary, increasing discernment requires intentionally pursuing an intimate relationship with God through the spiritual disciplines. There are no shortcuts. As we seek Him wholeheartedly in prayer, study, community, and obedience, He promises to grant wisdom and understanding. Developing discernment is a lifelong journey, but the eternal benefits make it more than worthwhile.
