I recently read an article about a site where Web chatters are exposed to random strangers from around the world. As the article states, “One minute you’re chatting via Webcam with a mom of two [in the US] and the next you’re staring at a stark-naked man in Bangkok.” One psychiatrist calls the site “a predator’s paradise.” Definitely not a destination for the discerning!
The writer of Hebrews provides us with a helpful wakeup call to make sure we’re growing in discernment. He wrote to his readers, “There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen” (Hebrews 5:11). The words “spiritually dull” literally mean dimwitted and negligent. (Words that definitely apply to people using the Web site mentioned earlier!)
Back when Hebrews was written, the Christians in house churches in Rome (to whom the letter was likely addressed), were struggling to maintain their faith and to live it out with conviction. Christians who show a lack of discernment today often wrestle with the same two issues.
So how can you become more discerning?
• Do what you know. The believers in Rome had been well fed spiritually, but they lived like spiritual babies (Hebrews 5:12). They acted as if they didn’t “know how to do what is right” (Hebrews 5:13). We become more discerning when we actively live out the truths of God’s Word.
• Train your mind for action. We can better tell right from wrong as we train our minds (Hebrews 5:14), and “prepare [them] for action” (1 Peter 1:13 NIV). This includes continually growing in our knowledge of God’s Word and consciously applying its wisdom to our choices.
It’s not discerning to do stuff like chatting online with random strangers. Instead, let’s pursue discerning lives as we live out God’s truth.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 4:4-24
More:
Read Philippians 1:9-10 to see the good things that result from the greater knowledge and understanding that God provides.
Next:
How have you lacked discernment lately? What will you do to grow more discerning in Jesus?
lindagma on March 7, 2011 at 7:12 am
I love it that you can read a verse that you’re familiar with, and depending on where you are in life, it can take on a whole new meaning. God’s word is amazing and applicable to every circumstance. Aren’t you glad you live in a day when you have it at your fingertips…even if you don’t have a Bible, you can find it on the internet. It brings to light how important our missionaries are…taking the word to areas that do not have access.
tom felten on March 7, 2011 at 9:30 am
That has been my experience so many times, lindagma! I’m reminded of the fact that “the Word of God is alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). As we take it in, the Holy Spirit uses it to transform our lives—making us more Christlike, more discerning, more loving.
pjp on March 7, 2011 at 10:29 am
Tnx very much Tom, praise God for this reminder. very uplifting.
eppistle on March 7, 2011 at 11:44 am
Seeking adventure in sin is dimwitted and grieves the Holy Spirit. Neglecting the adventure of following Christ is cowardly and quenches the Spirit.
GChoo on March 7, 2011 at 12:55 pm
I think it is true that many a times christians have
have fallen into sin so easily because we have not
continued to grow in our knowledge of God. I believe it is important to consciously and actively apply God’s teaching and wisdom into our lives to stay on His righteous path. Thanks for your reminder.
tom felten on March 7, 2011 at 1:41 pm
GChoo, to build on what you wrote, consider these words from Jesus: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are My true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in My love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love” (John 15:7-10). Knowledge of God and His truth must be coupled with obedience. And when obey God and walk in His ways we reveal our love for Him!
terwong218 on March 7, 2011 at 3:46 pm
The journey with Jesus is a a life long discipline, there is so much to explore together with Lord Jesus in our lives. If our relationship with God is so intimate, the Holy Spirit will act as counselor to guide our actions and grant us discernment. But we have to back to basis, the words of God.
tom felten on March 7, 2011 at 6:02 pm
terwong218, good thoughts on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we take in God’s Word, the Spirit uses it to counsel, comfort, and convict us.
conmeo on March 7, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Thank you Tom and everyone. These words take me through another tough and lonely day. May God bless us all
joo_sg on March 7, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Thank you for this post. I am grieved to find out recently what a loved one is doing online. I pray that the Holy Spirit will bring conviction and turn him back before it is too late.
Spiritual decay is a gradual process and the carnal mind is our greatest enemy and it leads to death.
How we desperately need constant renewal of our mind. Daily we must ask for the mind of Christ.
OnMyWayHome on March 7, 2011 at 9:07 pm
The world has so much to offer it seems and so easily to fall into its pleasures. ‘Train your mind for action’ are good words of encouragement for me at this time. With the struggles I am going through and the doubt that lingers, reading the Word means more to me now than it has before.
As to ‘training ones mind’ banker tellers are not shown ‘Counterfeit Bills’ just handling the real bills is all they need. When one does come along they know the touch and feel of the something’s that’s not real, is this similar to one being in the Word?
joo_sg on March 7, 2011 at 9:10 pm
“For to be carnally-minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” – Rom 8:6-9
shapemewithyourhands on March 8, 2011 at 4:02 am
The first thing I always remember to do chatting is “In the multitude of words there want not sin: but he that refrain his lips is wise (Proverb 10:19)” Better send inspiring message through your mobile phone or spend time talking empty topics.
shapemewithyourhands on March 8, 2011 at 4:04 am
I am sorry I mean Better send inspiring message through your mobile phone THAN spend time talking empty topics.
GChoo on March 8, 2011 at 10:16 am
Thanks for all your sharing. Thank God for this inspiring and positive source of connection regardless which part of the world we may be in. Also, knowing we can support one another in our prayer for those in need. Amen.
daisymarygoldr on March 8, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Good post and discussion!
Mere head knowledge of God’s Word based on our intellect does not help us actively live out its truths. The reasoning mind that wants physical proof and a natural explanation for spiritual things will not grow. That is why Christians though well fed spiritually, and who ought to be teaching others are often confused about their own salvation and eternal security.
Faith followed by our actions is possible only with heart knowledge that comes from revelation and intimacy with the Spirit of God. The “solid food” i.e. in-depth knowledge and application of God’s Word enables mature believers to make proper choices between right and wrong—moral and doctrinal.
The solution to spiritual dullness is given in Heb 6:11-12.