Discernment and Maturity

A few days into the new year 2024 now, and what constantly comes to mind for this new year is Discernment and Maturity on the many troubled paths we walk in this, the final days of the world.

Proverbs 27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

If it's not bad enough that the world is cruel, hateful, and perverse, my constant thorn is the many so-called experts of theology and prophecy (Sheologians), ready to tear you apart in detail on YOUR faith, when they aren't stable or correct in theirs. Forever deceiving and being deceived, trying to steal your joy, kill your hope, and destroy your faith.

Okay, there... I said it. Felt I had to, to start off this year.

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

Now mind you, I am not speaking of a Christian who may be incorrect in understanding and is seeking an answer to serious questions.

The most recognizable characteristic in the ones I am talking about is the lack of Love, compassion, humility, patience, and gentleness.

It's a simple test really. Love, or it's lack of, is the start of Discernment.

Sometimes, it's not even so much the nagging notion that something just isn't 100% right, as it is the delivery of the message.

This is why we chose to uphold the written word and study it to be experienced in the times when the error tries to manifest.

You can be sure that if someone is trying to push error on you, they will try and disarm, distract, and dismay you, in nothing short of a pushy, aggressive, condescending, insulting, and prideful manner.

Now, Paul told us the fruit of the Holy Spirit is Love in (Galatians 5:22-23). Further, this  divine Love is characterized by the following characteristics from the One who expresses it.

Love

Joy	Peace	Patience	Kindness
Goodness	Faithfulness	Gentleness	Self-Control

These are simply not possible to the unsaved, or to those who believe, but try to do all in their own strength and will. These are expressed by the Holy Spirit through us, and not because of us.

Paul also describes this divine Love in (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a), in the form of a list of practical expressions, in which this divine Love never takes the route of the flesh.

Love

Is patient	Is kind	Does not envy	Does not boast
Is not proud	Is not rude	Is not self-seeking	Is not easily angered
Keeps no account of wrongs	Takes no pleasure in evil	Rejoices in the truth	Bears all things
Believes all things	Hopes all things	Endures all things	Never fails

So, here we are, from the Word Himself, what His Love looks and acts like, and His command to Love one another as He has Loved us (John 13:34 / John 15:12).

And by this love for one another we are known as His true disciples (John 13:35).

And with this Love, comes Maturity, as we grow in Christ, which also brings more in depth discernment by experience, along with listening to the Holy Spirit.

To hear the Spirit speak, we must be quiet and focused on Him. This is the importance of prayer, at any time, and at all times.

Discernment is a Spiritual Battle, not a logical one. (Michelle Lesley)

Both Paul (in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3) and John in (1 John) speak about how the lack of this divine Love and respect for others betrays a hypocrisy of claiming Jesus, yet not loving your neighbor, not loving one another as He loved us.

Discernment in this case looks like this:

• Electing not to engage, or disengaging with someone.

• Picking your battles that really mean something to stand your ground on.

• Silence. Patience in answering. Just Listening.

• Waiting for a better time to speak wisdom.

• Answering with the Word only. 

• Not all requests for comment require an answer.

• That "No", is a complete and valid answer.

 
You are required to preach the Gospel, and give your answer to the Hope that lies within you when asked. You are NOT required to take another's abuse.

As for the rest of the world, we must be beacons of His light, not mirrors of the worlds ways. We must remember not to judge them, as no one comes to Jesus unless they are drawn by the Father to Him. They are already in judgment, unless they escape.

They don't understand the spiritual things, as they have not His spirit yet. They have not been saved yet. This is our mission field... Sheep among wolves...

Please consider these things for your spiritual health in the new year, put into practice stepping back, and not being reactionary (something I have very much experience at failing in). Allow God to do His will through you.

That's the way it works. If you could do it yourself, then Christ need not of come to begin with. ;)

Grace and Peace to you in Christ Jesus our Lord in this new year of opportunity to further the Gospel. May the year 2024 be the year we go Home!

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Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]