Discernment
It seems, this word discernment comes with a variety of meanings. When used in context it heightens its application to levels that require us to be very aware of how we use it. Not all discernment has to do with spiritual application, but also has to do with the natural. Jesus often used this natural context to teach people where they were spiritually.
Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
In the above verses it is plain to see how Jesus explains the lack of discernment that people have concerning the times. He was referring to the spiritual times concerning Himself. Even being with them as prophesied did not help them to see. The sad part about modern Christianity is, many are in the same boat. They worship Jesus but do not discern His being with them or the times. For many, Jesus is still the one who walked the earth once and treat Him as the sweet, kind person who they have made Him out to be in their own imaginations.
We only have to look at the book of Revelation to discern that He had dramatically changed His vesture to the Alpha & Omega who was preparing to do some pretty serious judgements on the earth and was warning humanity two thousand years ago about the times we live in today.
Yet, I believe, many do not discern the times or the people who are with us. Not only have we passed from one side to another in terms of how the age has shifted but how people have been changed through the times we live in. This means, the Church too has to come to grips with the kinds of people who we will have to deal with and therefore should have incredible discernment about them and the times.
The application of discernment in the first instance is for people to awaken to what God is telling the Church about who she is and what she should be preparing for. Secondly, the Church must discern the type of people it will be dealing with from now on and hence not to try and deal with them as in days of old. Whilst everyone is expecting a great revival, I am of the understanding that we will also receive in the mix of the revival, a certain kind of people called “wolves”. They will be of two categories. One who are led by a pack leader and another type who are working on their own. Either way, their intentions are not pure.
Secondly, we need to discern who will be the true believers as opposed to the tares and be sure of our understanding of them. When the light of the Lord shines more brightly discernment takes on a dimension that not everyone can see into what the light is revealing. This is where wisdom is greatly needed on what we are to do to make sure that we are protected as the Church. In the book of Revelation, in spite of many churches having done many good works they failed in some areas of discernment and had allowed the infiltration of false doctrines and evil spirits. This provoked a very severe warning from Alpha & Omega concerning their state of being and His judgements.
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
It is incumbent on the Church to examine itself on how it is building the habitation of God. Apparently, from the book of Revelation we discover that the building of the habitation of God is only tested after it has been built. This same theme is echoed in the Bible as follows.
1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
It is my understanding that the Bible is talking about our hearts and body. Let us have reverential fear toward God in what He is saying to the Church in the last days. This is not the time for personal agendas or offenses that come to steal our joy and preparations. IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST ANYBODY, ENSURE YOUR HEART IS RIGHT.
Otherwise, you could be building a house that will be destroyed. God is gracious and gives us time to sort out our heart attitudes. On the one hand when we do settle our hearts about some people, we may again be challenged by others who come along later. So, the cycle starts all over again. What is needed is the crucifixion of the flesh to submit to God’s ways in any scenario that may have arisen in the past or will arise in the future. Death to self is the key to success. Discernment will play a big part in heading off the possible scenarios of offense, unforgiveness and resentment and even regret.
It is my desire to become more like Christ not have a yo-yo ride in my Christian faith. It is to this end that I work to humble myself and fix up my relationships not only with Jesus but with my fellowman. The rising of negative feelings should help us discern that we are heading down the wrong path. Watching and waiting on God is also discerning what God is going to say when He does speak. Prophets of old discerned what God was saying through many methods and wrote down the scriptures for us. Yes, the Holy Ghost inspired them, but He used signs, words, prophesies, animals, the hardened state of men’s hearts and the groaning of the earth to name just a few. This requires discernment.
I believe discernment is sorely needed because of the kind of scenario we are facing in today’s world. The advent of globalization and anti-Christ attitudes will increase and often it will come very silently and even staring us in the face. The devil will attempt to cloak it with a veil. Even our own hearts can deceive us and so we need to build our relationship with the Holy Spirit like never before. Discernment is one of the gifts He gives God’s people and we should ask Him for it if we lack it or need more of it.
Discernment does not always lead to a solution. Oftentimes, it leads to greater difficulty on what to do. We must depend on God and know why He is showing us something and then ask Him what to do and do only what He says to do. Be prepared, things are going to get more subtle even as they stare you in the face.
Lots of love
Pst Noble –
21st June 2020