Spiritual Discernment is Needed

Scripture:  Philippians 1:8-11 -  For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

In Philippians 1:8-11, Paul said that he wanted the believers at Philippi to grow in their knowledge of God so that they could choose the best way to live.  In other words, he wanted them to have discernment – accuracy in choices that they would make in their lives – to make right choices in their lifestyle. The Lord doesn’t want us to make choices in our personal lives merely by how we feel.  Therefore,  He gives us the gift of discernment – the ability to sift/judge things that we are going through  and realize what is best for us, i.e.,  by God’s will for us.  To be in the center of God’s will we must have a discerning spirit.  Our lifestyle choices should reflect God’s glory and/or be pleasing to Him.  Philippians 2:13-16 says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputing:  that ye may be blameless, and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.”  As we read God’s word and trust Him, He will direct us (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

Things that we want to choose in our lives may seem right, but they may not be God’s will for us.  Philippians 4:8 says “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  A lot of opportunities or decisions we want to make concerning relationships, jobs, counsel from our friends and family, what we allow in our lives, and what we listen to in the media, may seem alright, but may not be alright for us.  When we allow sin to creep into our lives, and we think it doesn’t matter, it will grow and grow until it affects our whole spiritual life --  luring us from serving the Lord.  There can be long-term consequences to our choices.  Jesus wants to be Lord over every area of our lives.  When we pray thy will be done and we really mean it, we are seeking the heart of God.  When we put our problems, thoughts, plans, decisions that we have to make in God’s hand, the Lord will put His peace in our hearts.  Romans 14:17 says “For the kingdom of God  is not a matter of eating ad drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

There have been times in my life when I tried to convince myself that the decisions I made were what God wanted for me.  Then later, I realized that the Lord had a better plan for me. Has that ever happened to you?>  We have to pray and ask the Lord through the Holy Spirit for discernment.  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father: Help me to always make right choices – having discernment from You – and using Your Word to guide me.  I want to be in the center of Your will.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

(by Marsha Williams)