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DISCERNMENT (d0ne)

Discernment is a spiritual discipline that helps believers understand and follow God's will, promoting a life of integrity and moral uprightness. It involves distinguishing between good and evil, and requires practices such as prayer, community, and reflection to navigate life's challenges. Ultimately, discernment aids in spiritual maturity and enables individuals to live blamelessly, aligning their lives with God's standards.

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Christopher Pius-Ayemere
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3 views

DISCERNMENT (d0ne)

Discernment is a spiritual discipline that helps believers understand and follow God's will, promoting a life of integrity and moral uprightness. It involves distinguishing between good and evil, and requires practices such as prayer, community, and reflection to navigate life's challenges. Ultimately, discernment aids in spiritual maturity and enables individuals to live blamelessly, aligning their lives with God's standards.

Uploaded by

Christopher Pius-Ayemere
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DISCERNMENT

Discernment is a spiritual discipline that enables believers to understand and follow the will
of God while striving for a life of integrity and moral uprightness. It is a process deeply
rooted in biblical and theological traditions, offering practical tools to live in accordance with
divine wisdom. As James L. Crenshaw explains, wisdom of which discernment is a central
aspect that equips individuals to navigate life’s complexities with righteousness and
faithfulness.1 This essay explains discernment as a spiritual mechanism for discovering God’s
will and living a converted life free from blemish, supported by biblical examples and
theological reflections.

What is Discernment?
Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or
to judge well (or the activity of so doing). 2 According to Beth Moore, Discernment is a sacred
trust, a gift from God that enables us to distinguish between His voice and the voice of the
enemy. It’s essential for navigating life’s challenges and staying on path of righteousness.3

Discernment, from a Christian perspective, is the ability to distinguish between good and evil,
truth and falsehood, and God’s will versus human desires. The Apostle Paul emphasizes in
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his
good, pleasing and perfect will.”4 This verse highlights discernment as a spiritual
transformation requiring a renewed mind and a heart attuned to God’s voice.

Early Christian theologians, such as Augustine of Hippo, stressed the importance of


discernment in fostering a relationship with God. Augustine suggested that discernment
requires humility and prayerful introspection, as humans often grapple with competing
desires.5 Similarly, St. Ignatius of Loyola developed the “Spiritual Exercises,” which include
discernment as a methodical approach to recognizing God’s leading through inner peace and
divine consolation.6

DISCERNMENT AND CONVERSION


Conversion, understood as a turning toward God, is both a momentary and lifelong process.
Discernment plays a pivotal role in this journey by enabling individuals to make decisions
that reflect their commitment to living according to God’s will. The story of King Solomon in
1Kings 3:9, where he asks God for a discerning heart to govern his people, illustrates the
value of discernment in achieving personal and communal righteousness.

1
James L. Crenshaw, Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction. Revised and Enlarged, Westminster John Knox
Press, 2010.
2
“Discernment”, Merriam Webster English Dictionary.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discernment (19/12/2024)
3
Beth Moore, Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer. United States: B&H Publishing
Group, 2013.
4
Romans 12:2
5
Augustine of Hippo. Confessions. Translated by R.S. Pine-Coffin, Penguin Classics, 1961.
6
St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Spiritual Exercises, Transl. by Louis J. Puhl, Loyola Press, 1951.

1
Conversion also entails self-examination and repentance, as seen in the Psalms. Psalm
139:23-24 declares, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious
thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” 7 This
prayerful posture reflects a desire to align one’s life with God’s standards, avoiding spiritual
blemish.

DISCERNMENT IN DAY- TO- DAY LIFE


Living a blameless life requires daily decisions that reflect faith, integrity, and moral clarity.
Discernment acts as a compass, guiding believers in their interactions, work, relationships,
and spiritual practices. The Book of Proverbs provides practical insights, such as Proverbs
3:5-6, which advises: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”.8

In practical terms, discernment involves (a) Prayer and Meditation: Seeking God’s guidance
through dedicated prayer and reflection on Scripture. (b)Counsel and Community: Gaining
wisdom from trusted spiritual mentors and the broader Christian community. (c) Reflection
and Experience: Learning from past experiences to make God-honoring choices.

Modern theologians, such as Henri Nouwen, emphasize that discernment is not a solitary act
but a communal and ongoing process, deeply rooted in love and service to others.9

CHALLENGES TO DISCERNMENT
While discernment is invaluable, it is not without challenges. Human emotions, societal
pressures, and personal biases can obscure clarity. The story of Jonah, who initially fled from
God’s call (Jonah 1:1-3), exemplifies the struggle of aligning personal desires with divine
directives. Overcoming such challenges requires steadfast faith, perseverance, and reliance on
the Holy Spirit for guidance. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:16-17, reminds believers of the
ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, urging them to walk in the Spirit to resist
temptations that hinder discernment.

LIVING WITHOUT BLEMISH


To live without blemish is not to achieve perfection but to walk humbly with God in
obedience and grace. As emphasized in Philippians 2:15, believers are called to be
“blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” 10
Discernment enables this by fostering spiritual maturity and helping believers identify and
overcome sin.

Through practices such as confession, accountability, and regular engagement with Scripture,
Christians can grow in holiness. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his work The Cost of Discipleship,
advocates for a disciplined and sacrificial life, where discernment aids in resisting the world’s
distractions and focusing on God’s mission.11
7
Psalm 139:23-24
8
Proverbs 3:5-6
9
Nouwen, Henri J.M., Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life, HarperOne, 2013.
10
Philippians 2:15
11
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, SCM Press, 1959.

2
Discernment is a vital tool for discovering God’s will and living a life of conversion and
integrity. Rooted in biblical wisdom and enriched by theological traditions, it provides
believers with the means to navigate life’s challenges while striving for spiritual maturity. By
cultivating prayer, community, and reflection, Christians can discern God’s will and live
blamelessly, as exemplified by biblical figures and theological teachings. In doing so, they
honor God and fulfill their calling as His faithful servants.

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