Discernment is scarce in the Church today. And people who lack discernment usually think they have it. But let’s say you are a person who has diligently studied the Bible, and you have honed the skill of discernment. You recognize false teaching when you hear it because you know the truth of God’s Word well.
Now what? How does one use that discernment in a Godly way? It isn’t as easy as it sounds. The following words from Hannah Anderson spoke to me as I contemplated this question.
“Discerning people use their insight to serve those around them…They use knowledge to build up and unify – not to tear down or create division…Sometimes this means having the patience to wait while others think through what you already know…Sometimes it means foregoing your preferences for the good of others. Sometimes it might even mean being misunderstood precisely because others can’t yet see what you do… They resist the temptation to flaunt knowledge or prove themselves right.”
Hannah Anderson
This calls for a meek and gentle spirit when correcting a fellow believer. This calls for love to be our motivating factor. It calls for putting the interests of others above our own.
I’m not suggesting that we compromise – not for a moment, not ever! I believe we have a responsibility to speak the truth, but you can’t make someone see what they don’t see. In fact, many times your next step is simply to pray for them. This is why it is so important to be led by the Holy Spirit in these matters.
Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to faultfinding.
Corrie ten Boom
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4
I realize that this post is addressed to a very specific audience. But I think it is something we should all think about.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15
What will you do if you discern error in your local church? Will you speak out or will you remain silent?
In His Love, Cindy
Read more about discernment in this post:
How To Be a Discerning Christian
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Mark Harpur on Unsplash
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