Discernment will produce these 5 benefits:
1. Discernment helps us get our priorities straight.
In the context of dealing with the challenges and concerns of life, Jesus simply admonished, “Don’t worry.” Then commanded, “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt 6:33).
Our priorities will be based on the principles and values that either consciously or subconsciously guide our lives.
2. Discernment increases our love for God.
God wants us to understand “how long, how wide, how deep and how high his love really is” (Eph. 3:18, LB). When we get into the Word and come to understand the nature, personality and divine attributes of God, we grow to better appreciate Jesus’ statement, “God so loved the world…” (Jn. 3:16) and John’s affirmation, “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8).
3. Discernment aids in resisting temptation.
The world’s view is to do whatever feels good. Whatever makes you happy. Yet, the Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov. 14:12). When we see sin from God’s perspective we see how ugly it is. How it hurts others. And harms us emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even physically. Then we realize that its short-term pleasure is not worth its long term consequences.
4. Discernment helps us handle the trials of life.
The Bible teaches us that life’s pressures and problems, can actually make us stronger, develop perseverance and ultimately produce joy (Jas. 1:2-4). Furthermore, we know we’re not alone. God cares. God hears. And God will sustain us.
5. Discernment protects us from error.
Our culture rejects the idea of absolute truth. We are influenced by humanism, secularism, relativism and individualism.
Jesus, however, still says, “God’s Word is Truth” (Jn. 17:17). And “you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32).
The Word of God tells us, “Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly” (Prov. 15:21).
Erick Bouwmeester
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