Christian Discernment 101
How to seek the truth in today's culture.
by Denis Haack

If anything is certain for Christians today, it's that we find ourselves living among people who do not share our deepest convictions and values. If we are to be faithful as Christians in such a pluralistic setting, we need to develop the skill of discernment. We need to have the ability to respond winsomely to those who see things very differently than we do, instead of merely reacting to the ideas, values, and behavior of the non-Christians around us—the ability, by God's grace, to creatively chart a godly path through the maze of choices and options that confront us, even when we're faced with situations and issues that aren't specifically mentioned in the Scriptures.

This was what Paul wanted for the Christians who lived in the pluralistic culture of the first century. "We have not stopped praying for you," he wrote to the Colossians, "asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom" (1:9). J. B. Phillips translates it this way: "We are asking God that you may see things, as it were, from his point of view by being given spiritual insight and understanding." Os Guinness uses the term "thinking Christianly," and defines it as "thinking about anything at all in a distinctly Christian way. Where our minds are so informed by the truth of God's word in terms of our assumptions and presuppositions that we increasingly see as God sees, though it will be in an imperfect way."

One way to develop skill in discernment is to recognize that being discerning is a process that involves answering simple but probing questions. The questions are simple enough to be taught to children; they are probing enough to help us get to the heart of whatever we are trying to reflect on as Christians. The questions can be learned and used, until with practice they become a habit, a way of biblically interacting with ideas and issues in a fallen world.

Our concern is not simply with isolated ideas, but with the whole of life and culture. The questions can—should—be asked as we scan the newspaper, attend a seminar, read a book, listen to a sermon, or talk with a neighbor. We need to be discerning about all of life and culture, because all of life and culture has been tainted by the Fall.

The process outlined here is not a formula or recipe, nor is discernment some sort of technique. Nor are we guaranteed that answering the questions will somehow make everything turn out well. Rather, as discerning Christians we may, by God's grace, be remembered as those who sought to be faithful.

Discernment Questions for Believers

What's being said? What is the nature of the challenge confronting us? What ideas are presented, or are implicit as assumptions? What's really at stake, or being requested, or argued for, or disputed?

What are the essential or foundational issues? What are the secondary or less important issues? It's vital to distinguish between the two, so we don't get distracted by things that may have significance, but are not of primary importance.

What is a Christian response? Notice we are concerned with "a" Christian response, not necessarily "the" Christian response. Minds renewed by the truth of God's word may not agree at every point on every issue, and there is room for diversity among the people of God.

Where do we agree? Where do we disagree? Seek points of agreement before identifying areas of disagreement. Christians have the unfortunate reputation of being unnecessarily negative and disagreeable, unlike Paul, who in Athens began his discussion with a pagan audience by finding a point of contact with them.

Why do we believe the Christian position? What reasons would we give?

How can we talk about and live out the truth creatively and winsomely in a pluralistic culture? Since most of our friends and neighbors see things differently, how can we make sure we are being understood?


Discerning Discussions with Unbelievers

When we talk with non-Christian friends about issues that matter, the discernment questions can be changed slightly to become a framework for discussion.

What's being said? What's the message(s) or issue(s)?

Where do you agree? Where do you disagree?

Why? Why do you believe that? What reasons would you give?

What difference does it make in your life? How does this conviction or value change how you live or affect your choices?

http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/movies/articles/050105a.html

is a Spiritual Gift I was said to possess ...a few different times..churches...who have it's members do a personal assessment to find out your Spiritual Gifts.

couple times mine showed Discernment...and...prayer....


M.E.
:hearts2:

We need to have the ability to respond winsomely to those who see things very differently than we do, instead of merely reacting to the ideas, values, and behavior of the non-Christians around us—the ability, by God's grace, to creatively chart a godly path through the maze of choices and options that confront us, even when we're faced with situations and issues that aren't specifically mentioned in the Scriptures.

behavior of the non-Christians around us lol

i thought that was cute, i think we somebody needs a behavior check lol

(not talking to you per se CB)

even when we're faced with situations and issues that aren't specifically mentioned in the Scriptures

(again not directed to you CB)

when one follows something that falls SHORT, well you then fall SHORT

and that's the problem, because something is not mentioned in scripture

i see why people have trouble making common sense decisions (the ones that refuse to "see" beyond the "word") they look for ALL the answers in

something that doesn't have ALL the answers

is a Spiritual Gift I was said to possess ...a few different times..churches...who have it's members do a personal assessment to find out your Spiritual Gifts.

couple times mine showed Discernment...and...prayer....


M.E.
:hearts2:


Discernment is such a wonderful gift. Not everyone can differentiate the voices which speak to us from above (God), without (peers) and below (satan).

lol

..... i think we somebody needs a behavior check lol



You aint NEVA lied!


(not talking to you, per se, So'ja)

Discernment is such a wonderful gift. Not everyone can differentiate the voices which speak to us from above (God), without (peers) and below (satan).

That being your case...I'm CLEAR that my "voices" come from WITHIN....NOT...
"from above"....


Yes I can differentiate sugar from ish and that is the purpose of my Spiritual Gift....


M.E.
:hearts2:

Listen Sis, In all respect for your convictions, I respect Paul better than I do any Christian today". Why so? Because in the Bible he admitted that he "lied about God and he admitted that he used guile and craftiness to catch the people". In other words, I can respect someone who admits that they used deception to get the people. The people do not practice Christianity, they supposedly practice Paulanism. Furthermore since the Bible says that Jesus was hanged on a tree, why isn't anyone wearing trees around their neck which is how they always been killing black men?...and since I can document, which I will on my website that what you claim to practice goes back over 10,000 years, how do you call it Christianity when it was never that until called that by our oppressor?

That being your case...I'm CLEAR that my "voices" come from WITHIN....NOT...
"from above"....

Yes I can differentiate sugar from ish and that is the purpose of my Spiritual Gift....

M.E.
:hearts2:


Well, of course, that is MY "case," True. I hold to Christianity and I posted this in the Christian forum. The title of this thread is "Christian Discernment." So, of course, my view would be from a Christian standpoint/teaching.

Please tell me if I am perceiving your tone incorrectly....Even though you are not, now, Christian, you posted here to tell me of your previous spiritual gift "assessments" within the Christian church. But, when I responded from a Christian viewpoint of "discernment," you returned to stress your present convictions about the spiritual gift.

So, how did my motive for this thread and your motive for responding to it come to clash here?


And, yes, I, too, can tell "sugar from ish." Truly, that is the crux of "discernment."


1 Cor 2:15 (KJV) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things...

Mat 7:1 (KJV) "Judge not, that ye be not judged..."

F.F. Bruce: "Judgment is an ambiguous word, in Greek as in English: it may mean sitting in judgment on people (or even condemning them), or it may mean exercising a proper discrimination. In the former sense judgment is depreciated; in the latter sense it is recommended."

NIV Study Notes: The Christian is not to judge hypocritically or self-righteously, as can be seen from the context. [B]Scripture repeatedly exhorts believers to evaluate carefully and choose between good and bad people and things. The Christian is to "test everything":
1 Thes 5:21 (Phi) "By all means use your judgment, and hold on to whatever is good."

A.W. Tozer: "Among the gifts of the Spirit scarcely one is of greater practical usefulness than the gift of discernment. This gift should be highly valued and frankly sought as being almost indispensable in these critical times. This gift will enable us to distinguish the chaff from the wheat and to divide the manifestations of the flesh from the operations of the Spirit."

For clarity, let's use the word discern for the judgment that God encourages, and criticize for inappropriate judgments....

It is important that we judge things properly, or discern.... Discernment by outward appearances, out of ignorance, confusing cause and effect, symptom with problem, can be devastating--even with the best of intents.
http://www.acts17-11.com/discern.html

Well, of course, that is MY "case," True. I hold to Christianity and I posted this in the Christian forum. The title of this thread is "Christian Discernment." So, of course, my view would be from a Christian standpoint/teaching.

Please tell me if I am perceiving your tone incorrectly....Even though you are not, now, Christian, you posted here to tell me of your previous spiritual gift "assessments" within the Christian church. But, when I responded from a Christian viewpoint of "discernment," you returned to stress your present convictions about the spiritual gift.

So, how did my motive for this thread and your motive for responding to it come to clash here?


And, yes, I, too, can tell "sugar from ish." Truly, that is the crux of "discernment."

discernment is not limited to "christians". I think the title is misleading as it creates the illusion that the gift of discernment is indicative of 'christ ianity'

is "christian discernment" different than any other type of discernment for you:?:

i just posted cause i felt like responding. i was reminded of a particular time in my life:em0100:

is that a problem:?:

how are you perceiving my tone:?: i just want to be CLEAR in my communications

M.E.
:hearts2:

discernment is not limited to "christians". I think the title is misleading as it creates the illusion that the gift of discernment is indicative of 'christ ianity'

is "christian discernment" different than any other type of discernment for you:?:

i just posted cause i felt like responding. i was reminded of a particular time in my life:em0100:

is that a problem:?:

how are you perceiving my tone:?: i just want to be CLEAR in my communications

M.E.
:hearts2:

Well, that's why I asked so I wouldn't assume what your intent was.

I responded to your post from a Christian viewpoint. Yes, I thought I detected a bit of a defensive tone in your reply to me in that you were steadfastly separating your beliefs from mine.

However, surely, by now, you and I both know where each of us stand in our respective spiritual beliefs. So, I thought your tone was defensive.

But, if my "discernment" was off kilter there, I do apologize.

Also, you say you think the title is "misleading. "However, I wasn't intimating that discernment is restricted to Christianity, but the thread is specifying what it is within and to Christianity.

So, how could it be "misleading" when it is posted in a forum set aside for the "Study" of Christianity? Everything I post here pertains to Christianity and its tenets/teachings and "discernment" is one of them.

Denotatively, DISCERN means:

–verb (used with object)
1. to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend: They discerned a sail on the horizon.
2. to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate: He is incapable of discerning right from wrong.
–verb (used without object)
3. to distinguish or discriminate.
http://dictionary.reference.com/dic?q=denotative&search=search

But, again, this thread is speaking to spiritual discernment in Christianity. So, I just don't see how the topic nor my intent can be seen as "misleading."

Well, that's why I asked so I wouldn't assume what your intent was.

I responded to your post from a Christian viewpoint. Yes, I thought I detected a bit of a defensive tone in your reply to me in that you were steadfastly separating your beliefs from mine.
So are you saying a christian viewpoint is one where you are hypersensitive to a rejection of your christian belief...anywho...it seems one followed the other here in your statements...christian viewpoint is on guard ready to defend....YES I was and have "separated" my beliefs when it comes to Christianity as is....

However, surely, by now, you and I both know where each of us stand in our respective spiritual beliefs. So, I thought your tone was defensive.
yes..that barrier will stay in place as i work to protect myself from b.s. when i discern it....again...i reason for posting was stated in all the back and forth now....as Brother Clyde would call this..

But, if my "discernment" was off kilter there, I do apologize.

Also, you say you think the title is "misleading. "However, I wasn't intimating that discernment is restricted to Christianity, but the thread is specifying what it is within and to Christianity.
oh you mean for the Christians to talk about the b.s. they discern amongst the non-believers...oh..my bad or be able to talk about stuff using the language of christianity ...you know...the "address"/scripture and verse and the like...

So, how could it be "misleading" when it is posted in a forum set aside for the "Study" of Christianity? Everything I post here pertains to Christianity and its tenets/teachings and "discernment" is one of them.

Denotatively, DISCERN means:

–verb (used with object)
1. to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend: They discerned a sail on the horizon.
2. to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate: He is incapable of discerning right from wrong.
–verb (used without object)
3. to distinguish or discriminate.
http://dictionary.reference.com/dic?q=denotative&search=search

But, again, this thread is speaking to spiritual discernment in Christianity. So, I just don't see how the topic nor my intent can be seen as "misleading."


is "christian discernment" different than any other type of discernment for you :?:


M.E.
:hearts2:

True, there is a certain "barrier" between any two people who have different spiritual beliefs. So, how can you be working to "protect" yourself from "b.s" or "Christ-insanity" when you voluntarily enter into a discussion about a religion which you no longer adhere to?

And, of course, I'm going to be “on guard” to defend my Christian beliefs in a study forum for Christianity.

So, to answer your question, yes, “Christian Discernment” is different from other types of discernment because it is rooted in CHRIST.

So, what part of “Christian Discernment” did you not understand?

You, then, posted to this topic and I responded from a Christian viewpoint. However, I, even if in error, sensed some "hypersensitivity" from YOU because I replied using the “language of Christianity.”

But, you're the one who came in here, essentially, “waving your banner” after I responded to you recounting your previous spiritual gift evaluations in the Christian church.

Now, this forum was completely EMPTY until I opened it up by posting in here; but many other members, who are NOT Christians, feel compelled to respond to the topics here, as if they are offended by the very presence of this forum and my posting in it.

When I posted a thread on “Healing Testimonies,” PhynxofKmt came in to define her “church” and her healing beliefs/experiences and then you came in to co-sign.
http://destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58758

However, I choose not to participate in the constant BASHING and BELITTLING many of the members here do against others whose beliefs differ from theirs. For a site which espouses to command, teach, and example “RESPECT,” I really don't see much of it when it comes to differing spiritual beliefs.--I don't go all over the board preaching Christianity. No, I come to the Christian forum to speak on my religious beliefs, but so many others feel they have the right to counter/oppose anything I say here.

It looks to me that many Destee members THRIVE and FEED on, either OVERTLY or COVERTLY, attacking another.

So, speaking of “ENERGY,” I get a vibe from you and some others here which is soaked in negativity and separation.

As for “ENERGY,” I sense resentment and anger from you.

Now, that's what I "sense." But, as a Christian, I am taught to PRAY and seek "UNDERSTANDING" so that I can spiritually "DISCERN" if what I sense is right or wrong and if, perhaps, I am being "hypersensitive."

Christian Discernment 101

If anything is certain for Christians today, it's that we find ourselves living among people who do not share our deepest convictions and values. If we are to be faithful as Christians in such a pluralistic setting, we need to develop the skill of discernment. We need to have the ability to respond winsomely to those who see things very differently than we do, instead of merely reacting to the ideas, values, and behavior of the non-Christians around us....

http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/movies/articles/050105a.html

True, there is a certain "barrier" between any two people who have different spiritual beliefs. So, how can you be working to "protect" yourself from "b.s" or "Christ-insanity" when you voluntarily enter into a discussion about a religion which you no longer adhere to?

And, of course, I'm going to be “on guard” to defend my Christian beliefs in a study forum for Christianity.

So, to answer your question, yes, “Christian Discernment” is different from other types of discernment because it is rooted in CHRIST.

So, what part of “Christian Discernment” did you not understand?

You, then, posted to this topic and I responded from a Christian viewpoint. However, I, even if in error, sensed some "hypersensitivity" from YOU because I replied using the “language of Christianity.”

But, you're the one who came in here, essentially, “waving your banner” after I responded to you recounting your previous spiritual gift evaluations in the Christian church.

Now, this forum was completely EMPTY until I opened it up by posting in here; but many other members, who are NOT Christians, feel compelled to respond to the topics here, as if they are offended by the very presence of this forum and my posting in it.

When I posted a thread on “Healing Testimonies,” PhynxofKmt came in to define her “church” and her healing beliefs/experiences and then you came in to co-sign.
http://destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58758

However, I choose not to participate in the constant BASHING and BELITTLING many of the members here do against others whose beliefs differ from theirs. For a site which espouses to command, teach, and example “RESPECT,” I really don't see much of it when it comes to differing spiritual beliefs.--I don't go all over the board preaching Christianity. No, I come to the Christian forum to speak on my religious beliefs, but so many others feel they have the right to counter/oppose anything I say here.

It looks to me that many Destee members THRIVE and FEED on, either OVERTLY or COVERTLY, attacking another.

So, speaking of “ENERGY,” I get a vibe from you and some others here which is soaked in negativity and separation.

As for “ENERGY,” I sense resentment and anger from you.

Now, that's what I "sense." But, as a Christian, I am taught to PRAY and seek "UNDERSTANDING" so that I can spiritually "DISCERN" if what I sense is right or wrong and if, perhaps, I am being "hypersensitive."

#1. One does not have to believe in christianity to post in this forum.
#2. I am not "resentful" nor "angry".
#3. "christian discernment" is nothing different then any other type of discernment. While I did not read the definition of "discernment" that you presented, I did note that "christian" was not the first word.
#4. As I overstand things here, all forums are open to anyone wishing to respond BASED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE BASE.
#5. "Respect" does not equal co-signing of whatever I SEE. I co-sign that which I have come to know and which someone else presents.
#6. I forget that christians can only really discourse with other christians...my bad. and christians..."real christians" do not bash nor belittle others...only non--christians get to do that.
#7. There seems to be a rigidity about your desire to have a dialogue with others who are not christian in the christian sub-forum. And a need to control what other's say in the "christian sub-forum".
#8. you asked a question, I answered. I do not recall bashing nor challenging you so I'm not sure where the need to "defend" came from. I made sure to clarify my separate belief of where "god" resides for me. nothing more nothing less.
#9. Destee members are like ere'body else remember...that "microcosm" of the broader society. Many have argued and supporting evidence provided that "Christians" behave in extremely hypocritical manners. Their thinking and behaving rarely match. They have a propensity for lying in fact. They probably need to lie to continue to cover up the fact that the religion itself is; as taught in the bible, is a pack of lies. So you may not want to say..."Destee members...." do thus and such when in fact....ALL AFREEKAN DESCENDANTS behave in this fashion and many are working to correct that. WE have been programmed to do so...behave in that fashion. It too years of programming and will likely take some years to de-program and re-program.

#10. I will not attempt to speak for others here yet I can say for myself...being enslaved in amerikkka represents the "negativity" that I am "soaked" in. amerikkka and it's b.s. teachings, practices and beliefs.


M.E.
:hearts2:

True, I APOLOGIZE.

I was not aware, until now, that each of the sub-forums under the umbrella of “Black/African Study of Spiritual Belief Systems” was not actually meant for study by the adherents of these beliefs but by everyone.

I was not aware that each of these belief sub-forums were intended for a Destee.com community PROJECT.

So, again, I apologize for thinking that the Christianity sub-forum was a place for Christians to discuss and study Christianity. Likewise, I thought the other sub-forums were also designated for Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and African Traditional for the same reason.


09-15-2006

A few proposed the other night in chat that it might be a powerful idea if we, as a group, select texts surrounding a particular belief system, and study them for a month (or three depending on the topic), discuss them here from our own black/african perspectives, with the goal of identifying truths or wisdom contained therein. We could rotate through whatever system or text we deem to have any value for the spirituality of black people.
We could make this a multi-year on-going effort, and should enough momentum gather, we could task some of the great minds here to compile our conclusions into a living document that serves as a framework for spirituality. This means we're having the audacity to create something new forged out of the power of our own collaboration and spiritual focus. What do you think? http://destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44438

09-18-2006
Kemetkind top 5 systems
1.Traditional African 2. Islam 3. Judaic 4. Christianity 5. Buddhism
http://destee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44438&page=2

However, I do find it interesting that this proposal is 2 ½ years old but that NO ONE, until my first post here, paid any attention to the Christianity sub-forum.

(Perhaps, ya'll just haven't had time to get around to it....until NOW, I guess. OR Perhaps, you all had already EXHAUSTED your studies on the other religions and it was just CONICIDENTAL that the Christianity “study” time-slot was also the same time I first posted here.)

But, I do find it interesting that this forum was completely EMPTY until I made the first post here, and I find it equally interesting that, SUDDENLY, the Christianity sub-forum became so fascinating and appealing and thought-provoking to other posters who don't adhere to this religion.

I also find it interesting that the other sub-forums don't appear to have received anywhere near the activity and ATTENTION the Christianity sub-forum has gotten since I started posting in here.

However, again, I APOLOGIZE.

So, I stand corrected, and, in the future, I will govern MYSELF accordingly as YOU and the rest of the Destee “family” render your opinions and viewpoints on Christianity in your collective “STUDY” of “Spiritual Belief Systems.”

And I look forward to YOUR thoughts and feelings on Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and African Traditional as well.

Perhaps, when this collective "STUDY" is ever completed, the Destee community can have it published so that it can be a teaching tool throughout the Diaspora.

But, in the meantime, it looks like yall gotta lot work to do on Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and African Traditional as well.

Many have argued and supporting evidence provided that "Christians" behave in extremely hypocritical manners. Their thinking and behaving rarely match.

:?:

yea like cussin', name calling and "b" slappin' lol



-----------------------------------------
i

But, I do find it interesting that this forum was completely EMPTY until I made the first post here

you didn't find that MORE than interesting?

And I look forward to YOUR thoughts and feelings on Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and African Traditional as well.


this is like comparing whether you're going to use rat poison, roach spray,
insect repellent or a fly swatter

the fly swatter is the only one that doesn't use chemicals

I was not aware that each of these belief sub-forums were intended for a Destee.com community PROJECT.

you're good lol

True, I APOLOGIZE.

I was not aware, until now, that each of the sub-forums under the umbrella of “Black/African Study of Spiritual Belief Systems” was not actually meant for study by the adherents of these beliefs but by everyone.

I was not aware that each of these belief sub-forums were intended for a Destee.com community PROJECT.

So, again, I apologize for thinking that the Christianity sub-forum was a place for Christians to discuss and study Christianity. Likewise, I thought the other sub-forums were also designated for Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and African Traditional for the same reason.

Apology accepted in the Spirit it is offered.

Recovery teaches us to "keep coming back, it works when we work it".

I trust that has you "keep coming back" there will be many more things you will become aware of that you may not be currently aware of.

M.E.
:hearts2:

Defining Discernment

There seems to be a great deal of disagreement about how we ought to define the word discernment. A quick Google check reveals a wide variety. One says it is “perception of that which is obscure” and another says “the ability to feel or perceive something with the use of the mind and the senses.”

Several definitions revolve around decision making, saying discernment is “prayerful reflection and discussion before taking a major decision” or “discovering, with God’s help, God’s will for our lives.”

A more thorough definition reads, “Discernment is a process of prayerful reflection which leads a person or community to understanding of God’s call at a given time or in particular circumstances of life. It involves listening to God in all the ways God communicates with us: in prayer, in the scriptures, through the Church and the world, in personal experience, and in other people.”

I’d suggest that this final definition is similar to what many Christians think of when they consider discernment. To them discernment is a gift or ability that allows them to make good decisions. People who make poor decisions in life are those who lack discernment....

http://www.challies.com/archives/discernment/defining-discer.php

[B]Discernment:[/B

is sometimes referred to a 'that still, small voice"........"something told me..." ........"I had a weird feeling......" ....you know?

All of us, to some extent, possess discernment, or intuition.....or whatever else you might call it. The only distinction between "discernment" and "Christian discernment" is that christians believe the this discernment comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a "comforter" who resides within the christian. This "Holy Spirit" helps the christian to grow to maturity in his faith (christianity) by this indwelling.

When something is "discerned" by this indwelling 'Holy Spirit", decisions made by a Christian won't always seem logic......to a natural mind. Matter of fact,
some things might seem downright crazy, but if a decision is made with the confidence that it is right from the "inside-out", there can be no wrong consequence!

Does that mean that every decision that I make turns out successfully? No.

Sometimes I take my will back from from my Higher Power, (whom I choose to call God, today)....and operate purely from my Ego....with disasterous results!

But even then, I do gain a lesson, and so far, I haven't been able to get in any "mess" that my God wasn't big enough to get me out of!

[B]Discernment:[/B

is sometimes referred to a 'that still, small voice"........"something told me..." ........"I had a weird feeling......" ....you know?

All of us, to some extent, possess discernment, or intuition.....or whatever else you might call it. The only distinction between "discernment" and "Christian discernment" is that christians believe the this discernment comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a "comforter" who resides within the christian. This "Holy Spirit" helps the christian to grow to maturity in his faith (christianity) by this indwelling.

When something is "discerned" by this indwelling 'Holy Spirit", decisions made by a Christian won't always seem logic......to a natural mind. Matter of fact,
some things might seem downright crazy, but if a decision is made with the confidence that it is right from the "inside-out", there can be no wrong consequence!

Does that mean that every decision that I make turns out successfully? No.

Sometimes I take my will back from from my Higher Power, (whom I choose to call God, today)....and operate purely from my Ego....with disasterous results!

But even then, I do gain a lesson, and so far, I haven't been able to get in any "mess" that my God wasn't big enough to get me out of!


Sister Joice, this was an on-point explanation of Christian Discernment!

I really enjoyed this and I'm gonna remember this as a lesson!

Thanks, Sis C.blossom!

Although it may not be seen as such, beyond helping you to make decisions, discernment is available on many different levels. Discernment helps me to know how to deal with people--when to be tough with them, when to encourage them. When to speak the truth, and when to hold my peace.

Even when someone is not ready to hear what they need to hear; I mean, why waste words? When just to listen.

Of myself, I'm really not a social person. I'd rather bury myself in a book or a puzzle. But my job is kinda social, and I end up talking to people--a lot.

Another belief that I hold (maybe not found in Christian doctrine) is that God moves you through your worse life scenarios to develop within you compassion for other people--empathy. I have had many experiences (negative). When I talk to someone hungry or homeless or any of a half a dozen situations I have found myself in--I know where they are, from my life.
I don't have to imagine what those situations feel like, I know!

Discernment helps me to know where a person might be at in the natural--what their most immediate need is--and how best to serve them at that moment. It might be prayer, or encouragement--but it might be food, money, a ride, a phone call, a coat, a chance to rest, a chance to cry, a listening ear, an open heart. Sometimes it's best not to do nothing at all--cause the person thinks you are a "soft touch."

Discernment makes me aware when someone is trying to sham me.....and when the best answer is no.

Thanks, Sis C.blossom!

Although it may not be seen as such, beyond helping you to make decisions, discernment is available on many different levels. Discernment helps me to know how to deal with people--when to be tough with them, when to encourage them. When to speak the truth, and when to hold my peace.

Even when someone is not ready to hear what they need to hear; I mean, why waste words? When just to listen.

Of myself, I'm really not a social person. I'd rather bury myself in a book or a puzzle. But my job is kinda social, and I end up talking to people--a lot.

Another belief that I hold (maybe not found in Christian doctrine) is that God moves you through your worse life scenarios to develop within you compassion for other people--empathy. I have had many experiences (negative). When I talk to someone hungry or homeless or any of a half a dozen situations I have found myself in--I know where they are, from my life.
I don't have to imagine what those situations feel like, I know!

Discernment helps me to know where a person might be at in the natural--what their most immediate need is--and how best to serve them at that moment. It might be prayer, or encouragement--but it might be food, money, a ride, a phone call, a coat, a chance to rest, a chance to cry, a listening ear, an open heart. Sometimes it's best not to do nothing at all--cause the person thinks you are a "soft touch."

Discernment makes me aware when someone is trying to sham me.....and when the best answer is no.

Amen and Amen! Yes, discernment is ALL these things.