Think with Discernment, Part Two

Proverbs 3:21–22; Philippians 1:9–10

Discernment is essential. Undiscerning love spawns and invites more heresy than any of us are ready to believe. One of the tactics of survival when facing “the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16) is to make certain we have cinched up the belt of truth rather tightly around ourselves. And what helps us do battle with the enemy also strengthens us in relationships with friends.

A Christian without discernment is like a submarine in a harbor plowing full speed ahead without radar or periscope. Or a loaded 747 trying to land in dense fog without instruments or radio. Lots of noise, a great deal of power, good intentions, until . . . bam! Disaster. It happens day in, day out . . . with frightening regularity.

Do I hear you say you want discernment but don’t know where to go to find it?

  • Go to your knees. James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask for it.
  • Go to the Word. Psalm 119:98–100 offers insight beyond our fondest dreams.
  • Go to the wise. Discernment is better caught than taught. Those who have the disease are often highly contagious.

This offer is good throughout life and comes with a satisfaction-guaranteed clause. All are welcome to apply.

Excerpt taken from Come before Winter and Share My Hope by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1985, 1988, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

Posted in Bible, Prayer and tagged , .

Accuracy, clarity, and practicality all describe the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. Chuck is the chairman of the board at Insight for Living and the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. Chuck also serves as the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where he is able to do what he loves most—teach the Bible to willing hearts. His focus on practical Bible application has been heard on the Insight for Living radio broadcast since 1979.