How to Develop Godly Discernment

3 Ways to Foster Good Decision Making

Should a Christian date an unbeliever?

Is yoga a sin?

Can a Christian drink?

Life presents us with difficult scenarios, and we must figure out what is right and wrong in God’s eyes.

We desperately need discernment for these days.

It’s essential to look at everything through a biblical lens when making decisions.

We are to be different than a nonbeliever who only relies on their knowledge and feelings.

We have something much more reliable and true - the Bible.

How do we develop the skill of discernment in the midst of our world’s deception?

Build a close relationship with God

We do this by

• reading the Bible (Hebrews 4:12),

• spending quiet time with the Lord regularly,

• and fostering friendships with like minded believers who can encourage us in our relationship with Christ (Proverbs 27:17).

Study God’s Word

We can have sharper spiritual discernment when

• we read more than just a short devotional,

• work to comprehend context and apply biblical principles to our lives (John 14:26),

• and truly understand God’s character.

The Bible reveals who God is, how He works, and the way Christians grow in their relationship with Him.

Devotionals (like this one) are like cookies. They are enjoyable but not sustainable; we need more substance in our diet to thrive.

Pray

God promises to give us discernment when we ask Him for

• wisdom (James 1:5),

• the ability to recognize deception (1 John 4:1),

• and guidance (John 16:13).

God will hear and answer our prayers according to His will.

He desires for us to be discerning and act righteously.

He isn’t hiding it from us or trying to cause confusion.

The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit is our teacher.

“…you have no need for anyone to teach you;
but as His anointing teaches you about all things…”
1 John 2:27 (NASB 1995)

If you need discernment for something today,

Ask God to

• light your path, make the way you should go clear to you.

• provide what you need to make the best decision according to His will

• to allow confirmation in your heart that you’ve made the right decision or conviction if you’ve made the wrong one.

Trust in God’s sovereignty that He is leading all things. God will help those whose hearts are trusting in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).