Wisdom: Spiritual Discernment
The Divine Operating System. Component #2: Wisdom
“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.” —Romans 12:2 (NIV)
In a culture full of deception, compromise, and counterfeit wisdom, spiritual discernment is a non-negotiable skill for every believer. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is true and false, right and wrong, and good and evil. It’s a gift from the Holy Spirit that enables us to see beyond surface appearances and make wise choices that align with God’s truth.
The Bible warns that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight (1 Corinthians 3:19). What may seem wise, popular, or politically correct by human standards is often contrary to the wisdom that comes from above. As followers of Christ, we’re called to a higher standard of discernment, one rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word and the leading of His Spirit.
Developing spiritual discernment requires a commitment to renewing our minds and aligning our thinking with the mind of Christ. It entails a daily process of shedding our old, worldly habits and putting on our new identity in Christ, which is changing as a result of the truth of His Word (Ephesians 4:22–24).
As we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures and allow the Spirit to shape our values, priorities, and perspectives, we become more attuned to discerning what pleases God and what leads to life and peace.
[[Note: Excerpted from The Divine Operating System: 16 Vital Components for Optimizing Your Daily Christian Life, a brand new book by Iann Schonken, released in June 2024.]]
Thank you. The need for Godly discernment is so true and timely. Our pop-culture wisdom sees discernment as the ability to "see through" everything to reveal the ulterior motive instead of seeking God's will. I'm betting that God and C.S. Lewis are both laughing at our wisdom.