What does spiritual discernment mean?

Spiritual discernment is a profound and essential aspect of the Christian journey, one that encompasses the ability to perceive and understand God’s will and guidance in various aspects of life. For a non-denominational Christian, spiritual discernment is about seeking and recognizing the presence and direction of the Holy Spirit in everyday decisions, relationships, and spiritual growth. This practice is deeply rooted in Scripture and has been a significant focus of Christian thought and practice throughout history.

At its core, spiritual discernment involves distinguishing between what is spiritually beneficial and what is not, between truth and falsehood, and between God’s voice and other influences. This process is not merely about making decisions but about fostering a deep, ongoing relationship with God, where one’s heart and mind are continually attuned to His presence and guidance.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on discernment. One of the key passages is found in the book of Romans, where Paul writes, “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). This verse highlights the importance of a transformed mind, one that is renewed and aligned with God’s purposes, enabling believers to discern His will accurately.

Another significant passage is found in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, where Paul explains, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments” (NIV). This underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the discernment process, as it is through the Spirit that believers gain insight and understanding beyond mere human wisdom.

Spiritual discernment is also about recognizing the spiritual forces at work in the world. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds believers that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (NIV). This awareness calls for a vigilant and discerning spirit, one that can identify and resist the influences that seek to lead believers away from God’s truth and purposes.

Historically, Christian thinkers such as Ignatius of Loyola have contributed significantly to the understanding of spiritual discernment. Ignatius’ “Spiritual Exercises” offer a framework for discerning God’s will through prayer, reflection, and the examination of one’s inner movements. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between “consolation” and “desolation,” terms he used to describe the movements of the soul that either draw one closer to God (consolation) or away from Him (desolation). This practice involves paying close attention to one’s feelings, thoughts, and desires, and discerning whether they align with God’s will and lead to greater faith, hope, and love.

In practical terms, spiritual discernment involves several key practices:

1. Prayer and Reflection: Regular, intentional prayer and reflection are foundational to spiritual discernment. Through prayer, believers open their hearts and minds to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. Reflection allows for the examination of one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences in light of God’s Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

2. Scripture Engagement: The Bible is the primary source of God’s revelation and guidance. Engaging with Scripture regularly helps believers to understand God’s character, purposes, and promises. It provides a framework for discerning what is true and right, and it offers examples of how others have discerned God’s will in their lives.

3. Community and Counsel: Discernment is not a solitary endeavor. The Christian community plays a vital role in helping individuals discern God’s will. Seeking counsel from trusted, spiritually mature believers can provide valuable insights and perspectives. Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (NIV). The wisdom and experience of others can help to clarify and confirm God’s direction.

4. Listening to the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the ultimate guide in the discernment process. Jesus promised that the Spirit would “guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13, NIV). Cultivating a sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings involves quieting one’s mind and heart, being attentive to the inner movements of the soul, and being open to the ways in which the Spirit may speak—whether through Scripture, prayer, circumstances, or the counsel of others.

5. Examination of Conscience: Regularly examining one’s conscience is a practice that helps to identify areas of sin, weakness, and growth. This involves honestly assessing one’s actions, motives, and desires, and seeking God’s forgiveness and guidance. Psalm 139:23-24 is a powerful prayer for this practice: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (NIV).

6. Testing the Spirits: In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (NIV). This involves discerning whether a particular thought, feeling, or experience is in alignment with God’s truth and character. It requires a careful and prayerful examination of the source and content of the prompting, ensuring that it leads to greater love, faithfulness, and obedience to God.

Spiritual discernment is a dynamic and ongoing process. It requires patience, humility, and a willingness to be led by God, even when His direction may be challenging or unexpected. It is about developing a deep, abiding trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, and a commitment to seeking His will above all else.

One of the challenges of spiritual discernment is the potential for self-deception. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (NIV). This reminds believers of the importance of humility and the need to rely on God’s wisdom rather than their own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).

Ultimately, spiritual discernment is about growing in intimacy with God. It is about aligning one’s heart and mind with His will, and being transformed by His love and truth. As believers cultivate the practices of prayer, Scripture engagement, community, and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, they develop a deeper capacity to discern God’s guidance and to live in accordance with His purposes.

In summary, spiritual discernment is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It involves seeking and recognizing God’s will and guidance through prayer, Scripture, community, and the Holy Spirit. It requires a transformed mind, a humble heart, and a commitment to growing in intimacy with God. As believers engage in this process, they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and faithfulness, and to live in a way that honors and glorifies God.