Why Discernment Is Inspiring

IAFdiscernDiscernment isn’t a comfortable word, and some might even venture to say it’s not all that inspiring either, but I believe it to be one of the most uplifting words in the Bible.

If you’ve turned on the TV in recent months, you know how vital discernment is if we’re to live not only live inspiring lives but moreover, truth-based ones. False teaching is prevalent in today’s society but thanks be to Christ and His Word, we as His followers, have the ability to discern truth from error. This sets my heart ablaze knowing I don’t have to, nor should I, be led astray.

Discernment basically means having the ability to recognize the difference between truth and error.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them — bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

I love that the word “false” in this text is the same word we get the English word “plastic” from! Think about it. When plastic is heated up you can do practically anything with it. Bend it, shape it, mold it. Many times, false teachers try to get their crowd emotionally charged because while emotions can be a beautiful part of God’s design, the enemy can also use them to make us vulnerable. Once false teachers have us “hooked” during those moments they can say practically anything they want (always mixing in a bit of truth), and have many receive all they say as truth. They are master manipulators. But if we practice discernment, we will be able to recognize error.

Do you know what you believe? It’s an important question for us all if we’re to live truth-based, inspiring, and abundant lives because if we don’t know for ourselves what we believe (by studying the Word, praying, surrounding ourselves with biblical community) then someone else will decide it for you, and for me.

During this month of tricks or treats, let’s ground ourselves in truth like never before. After all, what’s more inspiring than seeing others living out what they truly believe?

 

Featured image courtesy of Tall Green Grass

Cathy Baker

Cathy Baker is an award-winning writer and author of Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Beach as well as Pauses for the Vacationing Soul: A Sensory-Based Devotional Guide for the Mountains. As a twenty-five-year veteran Bible instructor, she's led hundreds of studies and workshops. She's also contributed to numerous anthologies and publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, and Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family. In addition, her poetry can be found in several popular anthologies. She and her husband, Brian, live in the foothills of the Carolinas where she one day hopes to have her very own Goldendoodle. Subscribe to Cathy's blog and receive a free e-book, Praying In Every Room of Your Home. http://www.cathybaker.org

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