Singapore Moses Supporter Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

More often than we think, common sense is a surer safeguard than many others. Someone wisely said, "When common sense makes sense, don't look for any other sense!" Sometimes we are told, "Don't rationalize. Don't try to understand these things through human intellect. These are supernatural things," and so on. But this argument is absurd. Because, God has given us a spirit of "sound mind" (2 Tim 1:7). In Christian dedication we are not called to "remove" our mind but to "renew" it (Rom 12:1,2). Mature believers are defined as those "who by reason of practice have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb 5:14). The thinking faculty is a gift from God. Christians must be good thinkers.

Paul rebuked the Galatian believers as "foolish" Galatians, because they embraced another gospel and were "bewitched" (Gal 3:1a). They began in the Spirit but started going after fleshly excitements (v3). The deceived are supposed to "come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil" (2 Tim 2:26). Peter's description of the false teachers in 2 Peter 2 is the strongest and lengthiest picture of them in the entire New Testament. In the previous chapter and the next he was "stirring up the minds" of the believers (1:13; 3:1). Therefore letting the mind into a state of neutrality is not spirituality but stupidity!

In some of the so-called revival meetings, people reportedly are roaring. It is justified as the voice of the Lion of Judah! The latest is barking. There are books which expound these as the "animal sounds of the Holy Spirit!" Christians, where are we heading? Now there is crawling and hissing. What next? We may soon need warning boards in our Churches as, "Beware of Dogs and Cobras!" Are we without "understanding" (Mt 15:16,17)? Does not "nature" itself teach us (1 Cor 11:14)?

Friends, these so-called new move and new revelations won't satisfy or edify your inner man. They are "wells without water"—deep but dry; "clouds without rain" — dense but no downpour (2 Pet 2:17). Return to the "old" paths; you will find rest to your souls! (Jer 6:16).

The Pauline instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 is conclusive:

Analyse — all things!
Accept — only good things!
Avoid — all questionable things! Amen!

July 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jay Saunders Supporter

In my opinion the best way to acquire discernment is Proverbs and the gospel of John.

But the biggest reason any Christian is weak is because they do not take the time to be schooled by the power of the Holy Spirit, by the study of God's word.

God's people perish because of the lack of knowledge.

God has an answer for everything under the sun. Let's take one verse: "Be sober minded always." Well, that pretty much says I can not drink alcoholic beverages, use drugs, or any medication that I don't really need. Strong drink makes a man into a fool.

How about this one? "Sudden riches is a snare unto a man. " Yep. Gambling is out! If we won millions of dollars, who really knows if we could really handle the temptations that follow? I might want more and more and more until I have squandered it all.

Money solves a multitude of problems, sure, but sudden riches is a snare and who is the snare of the fowler? Satan is, of course.

Just thoughts!

January 30 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why do so many young Christians lack discernment?

Discernment is the ability to recognise the difference between truth and error, wisdom and foolishness, right and wrong. It involves viewing decisions, teachings, relationships, and life choices through Scripture. Many young Christians struggle with discernment, not because they lack sincerity, but because spiritual maturity develops over time.

One reason is limited biblical knowledge. Discernment grows when a person understands God's Word and learns how its principles apply to everyday situations. Without a strong foundation in Scripture, it becomes difficult to evaluate ideas, teachings, and influences accurately. Many young believers are still learning these truths and have not yet developed confidence in applying them.

Another factor is lack of spiritual experience. Wisdom is often gained through years of walking with God, facing challenges, making decisions, and learning from mistakes. Young Christians may have genuine faith, but they may not have had enough time to develop the judgment that comes through experience and spiritual growth.

Modern culture can also affect discernment. Social media, entertainment, popular opinion, and peer pressure constantly present competing messages. Young believers are often exposed to countless viewpoints, making it difficult to separate biblical truth from attractive but misleading ideas. When feelings and opinions become the primary guides, sound judgment may suffer.

A further reason is the desire for acceptance. Many young people want to fit in with friends, classmates, colleagues, or society in general. This desire can make it challenging to stand firmly on biblical convictions. Discernment requires courage and knowledge because truth is not always popular.

Some young Christians also rely heavily on personalities rather than carefully examining what is being taught. Charismatic speakers, online influencers, or popular authors can be persuasive, yet every teaching should be tested against Scripture. Spiritual maturity involves evaluating messages according to God's Word rather than accepting them simply because they are widely followed.

Prayer is another important element. Discernment develops as believers seek God's wisdom and guidance. When prayer becomes a low priority, decisions may be based mainly on emotions, circumstances, or personal desires rather than spiritual understanding.

The Bible teaches that discernment grows through consistent practice. As Christians study Scripture, obey God's commands, and learn from daily experiences, their ability to recognise truth becomes stronger. Spiritual maturity rarely develops quickly. It results from steady growth over time.

How to overcome young Christians' lack of discernment

Read and study Scripture regularly.

Compare every teaching with God's Word.

Seek advice from mature and godly Christians.

Pray for wisdom before making important decisions.

Be willing to stand for truth even when facing pressure.

Evaluate ideas carefully rather than accepting them uncritically.

Learn from both successes and mistakes.

Develop habits that strengthen spiritual growth.

Young Christians can become discerning believers when they commit themselves to learning God's Word, seeking His wisdom, and applying biblical principles in daily life. Discernment is not a gift reserved for a few; it grows through faithful study, prayer, experience, and obedience.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report