The Hidden Art of Discernment

Dis·​cern·​ment:
the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure: skill in discerning

Discernment is quite the buzzword in churches and prophetic ministries. Everyone wants it, and some may scream at the world that they are the Chosen Ones, but be careful: very few truly have it.

The thing I love most about Jesus’ model of discernment is how he listened. He didn’t go on…and on…and on about how wise He was and how He was surrounded by morons. (Which He totally could have.) He drew people in with questions. He inquired not to get answers which He already knew, but to lead people to revelations about their heart — and, most importantly, about Him.

Jesus was not prideful, even though He had all wisdom and knowledge from being fully divine. He humbly listened. The mission was not to get others’ respect out of pride; the mission was to get their hearts, out of love. And that’s still the mission He calls us to.

In a culture where popularity rises above wisdom, and where the loudest megaphone wins the highest praise, it can be tempting to approach church and ministry in the same way. But if someone is more willing to walk all over others than to wash feet, run away. If a “prophet” cares more about your wallet than your heart, cover your ears. And if people are praying heretical ideas over sound biblical theology, don’t let them speak into your life.

Let’s live out Matthew 7:15-20 and follow the spiritual fruit, not the hype.