Discernment

The other day I happened to sit in a chair in our family room where I very rarely sit. It gave me the opportunity to see the entire space from a new perspective. Many times throughout my life as a homemaker, I’ve found myself looking at an area from a different angle and realizing that what I thought was ‘just right’ actually needed a few tweaks here and there. I was able to discern that there was a change that needed to be made that would either look better or provide more practical function.

Charles Spurgeon once said that “Discernment isn’t simply knowing the difference between right and wrong. It’s about knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

I truly believe that at this moment in history, discernment is needed more than ever. The good news is that it’s something you can actually develop! James 1:5  says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This isn’t just any old wisdom. It’s not even the wisdom you might get from a parent, trusted friend, pastor; this is wisdom from the source of all wisdom. Discernment is the way we put that wisdom into practice. And friends, it’s something we are all called to exercise.

Paul says in 1 Thessalonians that we are to “test everything and hold fast to what is good”. When we are steeped in God’s word we are less likely to be swayed. This is so critical in our roles as wives and mothers and friends and colleagues.

Might I encourage you today, with all of the craziness happening outside of our doors and even the craziness happening within, to be women who not only boldly ask the Lord for wisdom but who use that wisdom to discern what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise. (Phil 4:8)