On Developing Discernment

How should Christians respond to Black Lives Matter, to mask mandates, to political controversy? How do we interact with those who disagree with us, and what do we do when our church takes a view that is different from our own?

I could write extensively on each of these topics, but that wouldn’t be sufficient – because new and unique situations will constantly arise. Instead, Christians need to develop discernment so that they can think through these things themselves.

This is what the author of Hebrews said: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

This isn’t something that happens overnight. It is a gradual process – ‘training by constant practice’ – so that, eventually, the ‘powers of discernment’ grow stronger. In the end, they can ‘distinguish good from evil.’

Now, let’s discuss what discernment looks like.

The Supremacy of Love

The Corinthian church considered itself exceptionally talented when it came to discernment. They boasted of themselves as wise and spiritually mature, but Paul taught them that they were lacking a most essential characteristic of the Christian life: love.

Love is more than a ‘principle’ of discernment; it is more like the overarching characteristic that guides Christian behavior. When confronted with any situation, the Christian wonders: ‘what would be most pleasing and loving to my Savior?’ and, ‘what would be most genuinely loving to my fellow humans?’

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Honoring Christ

We often speak of ‘glorifying God’ or ‘honoring Jesus,’ but these terms are like empty buckets – they really mean nothing unless we define them. To honor Christ is to give him the place of supremacy. It means that in our own minds (and the minds of others), we are giving him the first place, the place of supreme ruler. Honoring Christ means placing him above any other consideration. It also means that our actions cause other people to see him as more glorious and exalted.

Honorable things are worth suffering for. That is why the Christian does not shrink back from suffering for Christ, when called to it. You don’t need to take a needlessly controversial stand – but neither should you diminish your allegiance to Jesus Christ. Your actions should cause people to think of Jesus as a supreme, worthy king.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Obedience to the Bible

Let’s not make things too complicated. Obedience to the Bible is, undoubtedly, God’s will for you – because the Bible is God’s revealed will! Wherever the Bible speaks clearly on any issue, all that you need to do is obey. Not all matters of discernment are clear: but this is clear!

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Benefitting Others

The gospel teaches us that this world is not all about ourselves. Rather, God has shown grace to undeserving sinners. We learn to stop thinking about ourselves so much, and to start thinking about others. What benefits others? How can we place their interests above our own?

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Reaching the Lost

The call to discipleship is also a call to bring others to the Gospel. How do our decisions affect those around us? Do we make it easier, or harder, for them to develop a relationship with God?

The apostle Paul applied this principle by trying to make himself practically invisible. When he ministered among Jewish people, he emphasized his own Jewishness; when among gentiles, he took on the customs of non-Jews. Apart from actually sinning, Christians should subordinate their own preferences and desires so that these things do not distract from the gospel. Sadly, many of the least important aspects of our own lives can often prove the most difficult for unbelievers to see past; we obscure the gospel by our own stubbornness.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).

Christian Freedom

It is essential to remember that Christians are free. We are not in bondage to the law! Neither are we in bondage to human traditions, ceremonies, and regulations. Freedom means that there is not always one ‘right’ answer. Instead, we have the freedom to make choices (in accordance with righteousness). And these choices may be different from the choices that other Christians make – but that is okay, provided that each person is living for the honor of God.

Beware of those who provide simplistic, one-size-fits-all answers. Paul warns us, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). This does not mean we have the freedom to sin – but it does mean that we have the freedom to obey and honor God in a multitude of ways. In short, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16).

Other Considerations

We often make other considerations too important. Read through this list, and see how often these considerations affect your thinking:

What benefits you

What you enjoy doing

What other people are doing

What is easiest

What makes you look good

What gets you out of suffering or shame

Political considerations

In fact, none of these other considerations is inherently bad – some of them may even have some value. But these considerations are not primary when it comes to matters of discernment.

Putting It All Together

As you think about your own response to recent events, what considerations are most important to you? Are political considerations most important? Would other people say that you are quick to side with the majority just because it is easy and comfortable to you? Are you driven by what makes you look good, or what causes others to think more highly of you?

What if you started to think about things from another perspective? Perhaps other people would recognize you, first and foremost, as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the insignificant opinions that you hold could be diminished, so that you could more easily share the gospel with unbelievers. Perhaps your example could lead others to recognize that Jesus Christ is the absolute Lord over all his people. Imagine how God might use you!