DISCERNMENT

Proverbs 3:21-26

My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

Sound judgment and discernment are the result of spiritual wisdom. With his gift of faith (spiritual wisdom), God has given Christians a wonderful gift. Yes, faith is the hand that receives God’s free forgiveness, but when God gave us his gift of faith he also gave us the ability to make wise decisions in life. The decisions we make as faith-filled children of God will bring glory to God. The decisions we make as faith-filled children of God will be in line with how God wants us live. When we are bringing glory to God and keeping his commandments, we can go through life with peace and confidence. What others say or think of us (whether good or bad) will not bother us nor will it puff us up because we know that we are living for God, not for them. We will not be afraid of what may or may not happen to us today or tomorrow or the next day because we know that the one for whom we live is the one who holds us in the palm of his hand and who commands his angels to guard and protect us. We also have the peace of knowing that when we fail to practice sound judgment and discernment (when we fall into sin) that God is faithful. He will forgive us for the sake of Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, help me find joy in choosing the good and avoiding evil. Amen.