. . . and to another the ability to distinguish between spirits (I Cor 12:2)
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Heb 5:14)
Discernment involves wisdom and knowledge. Yet discernment is not exactly wisdom and knowledge. Discernment is the ability to distinguish God’s ways from the world’s ways, God’s people from the world’s people, God’s work from the world’s work, God’s teachings from the world’s teachings. Discernment is the ability to see more than the ability to know. A five-year-old child may discern good or evil in a man without fully knowing why.
Thus, knowledge and wisdom are not discernment, but they can help discernment. You discern falsehood by knowing truth. Thus, people with discernment want to grow in the Scriptures.
Discernment protects the church from false doctrines, false paths, false motives, and false people. Discernment tests the spirits to see whether they be of God. Discernment can smell out the work of Satan, the work of the flesh, and the work of the Spirit. Discernment can read people. Discernment can detect a genuine heart from a false heart. Discernment can sense spiritual giftings in others and counsel people how to use them. Discernment can better sense God’s will and provide direction to walk in that will. Discernment can see the lay of the land, the realities of a situation. It also sees the lay of the Bible and then brings the Bible to bear on the real circumstances because it sees what is going on.
The Importance of Discernment
People with discernment are the eyes of the church. They provide the church with clear insight into spiritual realities.
Strengths
- Doctrinally sound
- Doctrine is not dry or dead
- Desire to draw near to God
- Relationally attuned
- Insightful. They see what others don’t.
- Love for Scripture
- Practical
- Sensitivity to the spiritual world
Weaknesses
- Lack of empathy for those who don’t see what they see.
- Can be judgmental and lack mercy
- Pride
- Others can view their insights with suspicion. They don’t see it.
Examples of People with this Gift
Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, Peter, Paul, John
Good Roles for People with this Gift
Pastor, counselor, advisor, mentor, discipler, someone involved in spiritual warfare
