The Source and Supply of All Discernment

Sometimes I find myself getting into trouble with people who have varying opinions in regards to proper Christian/biblical discernment issues.

For instance. Back in April of 2016, I wrote a post entitled Syncretism Stew. That post has gotten a lot of attention over the past 14 months.

When questions arose several months ago regarding a family issue, all the differences came up in a family discussion about Christian beliefs.

As a Bible-based Berean Christian believer, I recognized the drill. Often, it is people who haven’t studied the Bible who are most critical of those who have, and thus they are labeled as “too religious.” Then, we have the opposite end of the spectrum where we find individuals who celebrate “diversity” to such an extent that they lack any type of discernment regarding genuine Christian beliefs.

When I had the opportunity to share a link to that Syncretism Stew post several months ago, the responses weren’t even dealing with the content. I imagined that many readers in the group text let their eyes  glaze over. Apparently, it was too much information at one time. So, I just shared and described the following graphic:

I added the definition of Syncretism too:

 

Today, via Truth 2 Freedom’s blog, I found a great essay that tells us how to avoid falling into the trap of syncretism.  It involves the need for discernment!

John McArthur’s Grace To You website has a wonderful new post up entitled The Source and Supply of All Discernment.

MacArthur asks:

If you could ask God for anything, what would that be?

Isn’t that a great question?

He goes on to cite what Solomon chose when God asked him that very question!

When he became king after the death of David, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5).

Solomon asked for discernment: “Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). Scripture says “it was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:10).

It pleased God that Solomon asked for wisdom (discernment).  It was an unselfish choice.  People desiring discernment need to “step outside of themselves,” be vulnerable (these days, being vulnerable especially to verbally and even physically abusive attacks), and realize that requesting an understanding heart to judge people and to discern between good and evil will cause conflict!  It’s inevitable!  Especially in today’s world of “anything goes” and if you don’t believe the same way as others, you are labeled as a bigot, hater, mean,  etc.

MacArthur writes:

Modern evangelicalism, enamored with psychology and self-esteem, has produced a generation of believers so self-absorbed that they cannot be discerning. People aren’t even interested in discernment. Their spiritual focus is on self and getting their own “felt needs” met.

Wow!  Is that ever true!  Many adherents of “modern evangelicalism” come from the Millennial generation.  They often fall into such a trap as this and are missing the call for true discernment in how they act with others.  Being “self-absorbed” can often be done with the influence of manipulators.  For example.  Just because someone has a degree in psychology, even a so-called “Christian” based type, does not mean that they will use it properly.  What’s more, someone who claims to have a “light” within them may not be following true discernment, and thus think more highly of themselves which can also lead others astray.

We know that God granted Solomon more than just wisdom.  He also provided riches, honor and long life.  The caveat was that Solomon was to continue to walk in the ways of the Lord.

John MacArthur has excellent advice for us all:

  In the same way, James 1:5 promises us—as New Testament believers—that God is still eager to provide us with the discernment we so desperately need: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Hat tips:

Truth 2 Freedom’s blog
Grace to You

Graphics websites

Tags: Bible, rightly divide the word of truth, true discernment, truth, Wisdom of God