Making Wise Choices with God’s Help
What Is Discernment?
Discernment is simply the ability to figure out what’s good and what’s bad, what’s right and what’s wrong, and what’s true and what’s false. For people of faith, it’s more than just common sense—it’s a special ability that God gives. The Bible teaches that discernment helps us choose wisely, stay true to God’s ways, and avoid being misled.
Discernment: God’s Gift and Everyday Tool
The Bible says discernment is a gift you can ask God for in prayer. The apostle Paul even prayed that believers would be “filled with knowledge and all discernment” so they could know what’s really best (Philippians 1:9-10). That means God wants us not just to settle for what’s okay, but to go after what’s truly excellent.
How Does Someone Grow in Discernment?
Discernment is something you develop with God’s help. The Holy Spirit works in your heart and mind, helping you see things the way God does. As the Bible says, when your mind is renewed, you’re able to “test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). In short, it’s about tuning your thoughts to God’s truth.
Why Is Discernment Important in Daily Life?
Discernment is like a spiritual compass. It helps you spot deception, avoid getting fooled, and make choices that lead to a good and meaningful life. The Bible encourages us to “test everything” and only stick with what’s good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). It also reminds us to be careful, because not everything or everyone has our best interests at heart.
Key Parts of Biblical Discernment
· A Gift from God: Discernment comes from God and can be strengthened through prayer and asking for wisdom.
· Guided by the Holy Spirit: As God renews our minds, we gain understanding of what’s truly right and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:2).
· The Result of Growth: The more we learn and practice God’s ways, the better we get at telling good from bad (Hebrews 5:14).
· Everyday Use: We need discernment in every area of life to help us make smart, godly choices and avoid being tricked.
· Testing and Examining: The Bible encourages us to check carefully if things are truly from God, and not just take everything at face value.
· Seeking Wisdom: Discernment means wanting to learn and grow, not just following the crowd or believing everything we hear.
· Linked with Wisdom: Discernment goes hand in hand with wisdom and a desire to live rightly, just like King Solomon asked God for a wise and understanding heart (1 Kings 3:9).
Putting Discernment into Practice
· Don’t Just Go with the Flow: Resist the urge to fit in with the world’s values when they don’t match up with God’s.
· Let God Change Your Thinking: Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible to align your thoughts with God’s truth.
· Let Real Change Happen Inside: Focus on letting God transform you from the inside out so that doing what’s right becomes natural.
· Don’t Rush—Trust God’s Process: Let God work in your life step by step, making you more like Him over time.
In a Nutshell
Discernment helps you make wise decisions, avoid mistakes, and live in a way that honors God. It’s not just about knowing information—it’s about letting God guide your thinking and choices every day. Ask Him for discernment, and keep growing in wisdom and understanding. That’s how you’ll truly know what’s best and live a life that pleases Him.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 