Some of my Thoughts About Discernment

1. Discernment means that we wait for God’s plan(s) to be revealed. It is not a Biblical practice to make plans and then expect God to bless them because we are good people. (“Thanks,” Henry Blackaby). 2. “Obedience is not obedience until you disagree with God.” (“Thanks,” Katie Zettle of Seadbed.com 8-2-24). 3. ‘Indifference’ is the first step in discernment otherwise self or ego is usually leading the process which is not discernment [see #1]. (“Thanks,” St. Ignatius). 4. One of the most difficult phases of discernment is to “hold space” until the Spirit gives clear guidance. Active waiting in prayer, silence, scripture, etc. is a spiritual discipline/practice. 5. Discernment is not about choosing between good and evil because our minds and will, trained by spiritual practices and truths, can discern the difference. Discernment is about pleasing God. Charles Spurgeon said discernment is about choosing the good or the almost good. 6. Discernment is a gift from God. I cannot give myself spiritual discernment. Discernment requires relinquishing control. 7. The discipline of discernment is much like therapy as we ask, “Where is this thought, idea, plan, feeling, etc. coming from?” Discernment is “testing the spirits.” 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Many of those “false prophets” or ideas are not only in the world but, have also, gotten into our minds, thoughts, feelings, plans, etc.