Discernment

Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:17-20).

Discerning truth from error, wisdom from falsehood, and right from wrong takes lots of time and maturity, yet we are called to make such judgments daily. Here’s a plan:

• Avoid firm opinions made alone. It is better to run your ideas through a group of intelligent, trustworthy Christian friends and mentors. Friends keep us from crackpot ideas and guide our maturing mind and heart.
• Never form a life commitment without reference to the Bible, God’s Word. The Bible is silent on lots of subjects (calculus, computer programming, brain surgery, etc.), but it speaks clearly on God’s purpose for your life. Consult it daily.
• Be generous in your judgments, but don’t compromise with evil. Some fussy Christians today still think beards are a sign of degradation. Many other dos and don’ts trivialize spiritual development. Give your brother and sister in Christ a break. But don’t give evil a wedge in your heart.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.