” I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” — John 17:14-17
Throughout the Bible, when individuals exhibited Godly discernment, they displayed many of these character qualities: humility, seeking God’s perspective, seeking Godly wisdom from others and thinking about the impact their decisions would have on others. Conversely, those who chose poorly displayed the opposite characteristics: self seeking for individual profit, prideful reactionary responses, not seeking the Lord’s direction and not considering the impact of their decisions on others.
Godly discernment begins with humility. We must humbly realize that we don’t have all the answers to life’s situations. Proverbs 15:33 states in part that, “humility comes before honor.” Are we humble enough to ask if we have all the information before we decide or react to a situation? Knee-jerk responses usually lack discernment.
Humility will then prompt us to seek God’s perspective on the matter. In 1 and 2 Samuel, David continually “inquired of the Lord” before making major decisions. We can “inquire of the Lord” through His written Word and prayer. Jesus prayed for us in John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” God has given us His written Word that we need to consult and know so that we will make wise, discerning decisions.
We also can take any situation or concern to Jesus at any time (Hebrew 4:16). And when we pray, be specific. Be patient for God to answer.
— Mickey Weston, Chicago White Sox chaplain
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