Discernment

     "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom...to another discerning of spirits..."


    

Discerning of, or between, spirits seems a bit more otherworldly or supernatural than wisdom or knowledge. In a sense this is true for two reasons. We are familiar working of wisdom and knowledge in our carnal world so we tend to relegate the spirit world to fiction. Secondly, discernment looks beyond thoughts and actions into the intent and spiritual source.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Peter was given spiritual insight into the intentions of Simon, the sorcerer of Samaria. After being baptised, Simon attempted to buy his way into the power of the Spirit. Simon’s request came from his desire to continue dominance of the townspeople rather than any thought of helping to spread the gospel. Peter’s answer sees beyond Simon’s words into his thoughts and the spirit motivating him.

“But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money...for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”

This was not the first time Peter was used in discerning the intentions of supposed believers. Perhaps the most well known instance is in Peter’s encounter with a man named Ananais and his wife, Sapphira. This couple sold one of their possessions and conspired together to keep part of the money while telling everyone that they gave it all. They were well within their rights to keep all or part of the money. It was, after all, their possession to do with as they pleased. Their fault was in their thoughts and intentions.

“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”

The same scene was repeated a few hours later with Sapphira.

Discernment of spirits involves an awareness of spiritual sources. We are taught discernment in the natural world from a young age though we call it something else. We call it exercising good judgement. The world and many Christians balk at the idea of exercising judgement because of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

This is not a warning against discerning right from wrong. It is a caution against condemnation of people. Christians are to look for an occasion to mercy rather than condemnation. It is also a lesson about searching out, and dealing with, sin in our own life. Hand in hand with this caution about judgement comes another warning in which discernement is commanded.

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

Throughout the scripture Christians are taught to exercise discernment between good and evil. We will encounter both along our way and must be able to distinguish between the two. On a community level, this involves discerning whether teaching and prophecy come from God. We are to use the same standard to measure our own thoughts and beliefs to determine if they are godly or carnal; beneficial or harmful to others; compassionate or selfish.

The Spirit will work through us to this end. It is also important that we apply ourselves to a study of true things. It is not necessary, as the world tells us, to study every religion. Neither is it necessarily harmful except when this involves occult practices. It is wise to know that every religion and practice has a spiritual dimension. To open yourself to the teachings of the world is to also open yourself to those spirits. Let this truth be your guide. If you apply yourself to study the truth, you will quickly recognise the false when it appears. This is the work of the Spirit of God in you.

A good soldier is drilled in the use of his weapons so that when battle comes he is armed and ready to face it bravely. Because the Spirit takes us beyond our ability is not an excuse to neglect the gift that is in you.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

A child learns that flames are hot enough to inflict pain. As he grows he comes to discern the same about glowing embers. Sometimes the learning process is pain, but in the end it yields a heightened sense of discernment. This is equally true of the children of God. His children learn His voice and by the Spirit, He speaks truth to them that they may discern what is right.

“ Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, ‘How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.’

Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me...’ “

The gift of discernment of spirits is an ear tuned to the spiritual world around us. “If any man have an ear, let him hear.”