Dear Lighthouse Trails:
I have come to realize that discernment is a gift like no other. It is a blessing and a “curse” at the same time. A blessing because it provides a person with insight that allows them to take precautions so as to not be led astray by wolves and/or blind leaders. On the other hand it is “curse” because it is often met at the door by the pride of other believers. Case in point, if a discerning Christian tells another believer that it is troubling to see men like Charles Stanley and John MacArthur share a platform at Proclaim 19 with people like Rick Warren, then he/she is quite often labeled undiscerning or divisive. After all, most believers do not want to think that their spiritual heroes could be wolves in sheep’s clothing and that their own levels of discernment may be lacking.
Now, contrast that with a gift like a great voice or the ability to speak publicly. Such gifts are easily spotted by others and are quickly put to good use within the church. Few people would deny that someone like Josh Groban has a great voice and fewer still would ever suggest that they can sing as well as him. Why? Because most people cannot sing as well as him and they know it! Likewise, few people would deny that Charles Spurgeon was a great orator and fewer still would ever suggest that they can orate as well as he did. Why? Because most people cannot orate as well as him and they know it!
Discernment is the only gift that I can think of that has the roadblock of pride (of others) standing in its way. All other gifts are deemed valuable to the body of Christ. Only the gift of discernment is repeatedly kicked to the proverbial curb simply because everyone and their dog likes to believe that they possess it themselves. And so, when the person who actually has it shares his/her insight with others, out come the fists: “Are you suggesting that I lack discernment because I see absolutely nothing wrong with Charles Stanley sharing the platform with Priscilla Shirer? Are you serious dude? Do you know how many people that they have led to the Lord?”
All that to say, I believe that one of the only gifts that is not fully utilized in the church is discernment, which makes it a “curse” for those of us who have it. After all, out of love we try to shout from the rooftops to those down below so as to warn them about the field of landmines that they are about to walk into. And yet, no one seems to listen on account of their pride and/or blindness. The end result (at least for me) is that our hearts are in continually mourning for our brethren.
Yes, discernment is a blessing because it helps to prevent us from stepping into a trap ourselves, but it is also a “curse” because the body of Christ fails to acknowledge that not everyone has it. Thus, it is usually rendered virtually useless inside the church. I say “virtually” only because there are still some members of the church body who are willing to swallow their pride and test/heed the huge list of warnings of loving Christians like you, Warren Smith, Chris Lawson, Roger Oakland, Ray Yungen, etc. Personally, I am convinced that those who refuse to do so are setting themselves up for a tremendous fall in the days to come due to their own pride.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
May God bless and protect all of you and your families, as well as your ministries. Keep up the good fight!
MS
(photo from bigstockphoto.com; used with permission)
This is a great article. I will have to add that the gift of exortation is another equally blocked by carnal baby Christians who have lived off the milk of the word for years. Strong meat is for those who have been exercised to discern good and evil, or truth from lies. Every Christian should have discernment as we grow up into the Grace and Knowledge of Him, so that we are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine that comes along. I believe this is God’s will for all the BOC. So the “gift of discernment ” must be something different. Exortation is encouraging the BOC to press on to maturity. So my experience has been a resistance as though it’s a new and different Gospel. Here is an example. Yes how wonderful Jesus find for our sin, past present and future. And yes, how wonderful it is that if we confess our din He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. But what about first laying the foundation that when we are justified by faith, we are then baptized into His death so that the POWER OF SIN IS BROKEN. Otherwise not establishing this what we see is sin, confess. Cleanse. Sin, confess. Cleanse…and on and on . And I think this lack of foundation is why so many today believe you can be a gay Christian. They have no clue that our old man, is crucified with Christ , our old sin man, whether gay or whatever our old nature is…is done away IN Christ, and through that identification with Jesus in death , we THEN are raised up together with Him, re RESURRECTION LIFE…That I may KNOW HIM and the fellowship of His suffering and THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION. That NEW CREATURE is no longer held by the power of sin. So salvation is ALSO SETTING US FREE FROM THE POWER OF SIN…our flesh, our old man.
This truth is grossly missing in the Gospel preached today. Hebrews 6 says to move past the elementary principles and go on to perfection….AKA Maturity.
So the gift of discernment God has exercised you with and exortation actually work together to help bring the Church into maturity. My fear is baby milk fed Christians have no weapons of warfare. Because being exercised is entering into spiritual warfare to learn both good and evil and knowing how to discern between the two, as we know Satan can turn himself into an angel of light and preacher of righteousness. And why we see so many calling themselves Christians following these false preachers who preach ANOTHER GOSPEL. They simply have no discernment to know.
My husband and I came out of WOF/Charismatic after years of being fleeced. We walked away from ministry, studied the Bible, repented, then tossed every book and tape. As watchmen, we are grieved at the church in general, our local church inparticular. Recently we gave warning about The Passion Conference to the youth leader (who is also a minister at the church) about a specific speaker the young adults will be exposed to. We even used the very words, “it’s a trap.” We are grieved and mourn as the young people will still be attending. We know from personal experience how strong deception is – it took ahold of us for many years. We mourn over this issue. We constantly remind ourselves that the results are up to Him. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. Thank you for the article. We relate.
I’m really convinced that if a book/movie/song/pastor is really popular it is probably teaching the wrong gospel/Jesus! But why don’t people, especially leaders with Bible knowledge, stop and think, “Wow, it seems everyone is practicing contemplative prayer (fill in the latest fad), so maybe this is the great falling away talked about in scripture. I better investigate further instead of jumping on the band wagon.”?
Looks like I am not alone! I have experienced exactly the same responses although just a very few agree with me. We formed a small group and keep informed about the false teachers, etc. but even more importantly we study the bible to make ourselves approved and to know sound doctrine. We read and study history too, which is helpful in understanding the truth as well. I thank God for all of you who courageously obey God and mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
The writer, MS, said it well… I would like to add that being a “watchman on the wall” is also not tolerated in the church.
One of the most unappreciated insights of real discernment these days is the warning a very few are giving about Lordship Salvation. A case in point is John MacArthur. He is the veritable poster boy for that false gospel. Bad as it might be, his appearance on the same stage as Rick Warren is among the least of his errors. It’s as much a problem for Warren as MacArthur. Sadly, there are many discernment ministries that give MacArthur and Lordship Salvation a free pass.
Nothing new under the sun. Just ask Jeremiah and the rest of the prophets. The spiritual and political leaders have always given grief to those who tell the truth. The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil and narcissism runs a close second. One or both of these may explain why so many pastors are so easily led astray. According to Eph. 4 having discernment and teaching discernment is their God given commission contrary to popular traditions. Four gifts are given their divine commission including pastors/teachers. In the Greek POIEMEN is translated shepherd every case except in this single passage, for absolutely no particular grammatical reason. ( perhaps a catholic tradition influenced the early translators) Shepherds should be the first to warn the laity and the last to object to being informed about wolves in the flock. In great exaggeration, most Christian leader act like the stoners of Stephen. They covered their ears and threw him into to the pit without a trial. Having discernment, be it a spiritual gift or maturity or a combination, it will never win you friends with the ill informed or the prideful or the works righteous crowds. Does your pastor love sitting in the seat on honor and respectful greetings? Don’t expect to be well received by such as these.
It’s interesting that it’s “discernment” when one points out obvious wolves, while it’s seen as “blasphemy” or “speaking against ” God’s supposed anointed when one points out wolves like MacArthur, Sproul, and others in the the various branches in Calvinism and Reformed ideas. There’s one mediator between God and man/woman: Jesus Christ alone.
Gary Fennimore,
The writer of this letter was using the word “curse” tongue in cheek. That is why he put the word in quotes. Clearly, this man does not think that Jesus was a curse.
While I totally agree with all these comments are not ALL Christians to have discernment according to scripture at least discernment that goes by knowing His word which is seriously lacking too !!
This message really touched my heart… I am reminded of “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 “And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” At times, the LORD Jesus was very sorrowful while He walked this earth, and I believe He still has sorrow in His heart for those who reject Him, and great compassion for those who have been led astray by the Wicked One. May we continue to stand for the true and living God, and His Holy Word; while we seek to have a closer walk with our LORD every day! Amen! Philippians 3:10-12 “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” May God have mercy on His people who are walking in Darkness, but truly believe it is the Light! C. Read
Ugh, tell me about it! And I get so tired of them wanting to give anyone a free pass just because of something they supposedly did, like ‘leading people to the Lord.’ Just because per chance some come to the Lord by a wolf does not make the wolf a nice doggy! Period. And I think there is a subtle distinction here about the gifts. There is the special spiritual gift of discernment which runs more along the lines of discerning spirits (and I know how that one works, it’s truly supernatural), and the discernment that every believer should have. It’s all spiritual in one way or another as it all comes from the Holy Spirit. But every believer is supposed to have enough discernment to tell when one is a wolf or not at least over time. The Israelites were chastised by God for following after false gods despite the prophet’s warnings. It was not just because they lacked that “gift” and did not heed those who did. (Even though the gifts came later, the same is true today.) They were still held just as accountable, and so are we. It’s a matter of obeying the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, or not.
I agree so much with this! I too have warned people of teachers/teachings that do not align with the word of God. I have taken books that were given to me to read, read them, made notes with arguments written out and given them back noting the false info that was given in said books. Such as “Jesus Calling”, Beth Moore studies etc. to no avail. I have handed out the book by Warren B. Smith “Another Jesus Calling” and so many of them said they have the Jesus calling book and read it and it brought them so much comfort. I even have given out your little pamphlets that are written for this purpose, to warn them about all of the above but there is never a conversation about it. I have also discussed the “Message” bible with them but this last year people are using it in our bible study and they like it. My heart is breaking and I don’t know how to continue forward. JH
Bravo, and well said. I’ve had the same problem…I’ve been called unloving, judgemental and critical. Holy Ghost discerment is a treasure nonetheless! I’ve spoken out against the likes of Beth Moore, Priscilla Schirer, Ann Voscamp, Christine Cane, Joyce Meyer, Sarah Young…and others…boy did I catch major flack…from Christians! Still it’s worth it…watchmen on the wall!
While discerning of spirits is a gift (1 Cor 12:10) I do not believe that “discernment” in general is a gift as much as an acquired skill that comes from obtaining knowledge about a specific topic. In regards to biblical discernment we are told that it comes from studying and applying God’s Word “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb 5:14 KJV) The lack of discernment in the Body of Christ comes from the lack of use of God’s Word. It is a lack of maturity. The more you use it and study it the more mature and discerning you become. For me, I am much more concerned and curious about how established teachers who have a history of studying and applying God’s Word suddenly are unable or unwilling to “discern” what they are doing and the impact it has on others. Confronting others is both difficult and a blessing because there is always the chance we make a difference. “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jde 1:22-23 KJV)
Hi MS, I think there are many of us who can absolutely identify with your experiences!!! And it seems to be getting worse AND affecting so many more, it’s truly shocking; it’s also distressing tho we know that Scripture has foretold such. I think definitely pride is an issue but also delusion/blindness. I do believe there are many who simply can’t see it! Also, wilful ‘blindness’ – they may not want to see it due to fear/anxiety or pride. Such days we are living in eh? May we remain strong and faithful to the only Wise God, the Saviour of mankind and the One who is to come soon! God bless you and keep standing in Him alone. 🙂
Thank you MS for your commentary regarding the gift of discernment which is a spiritual gift and broken down to its essence, it’s the willingingness and fortitude to search the scriptures like the Bereans. It’s the inner nudging of the Holy Spirit that impresses that something here is amiss and then our responsibility to test it! I went to Catholic school and I remember the nuns pointing to the little tabernacle that sat beside the altar ( where the host was stored) and proclaiming to us impressionable students that that’s where Jesus lived! I was in the 1st grade and instinctively knew that what she was saying was wrong! Discernment! Then as I got older and studied on my own, the Catholic Church is in my rear view mirror. We can gently warn our family and friends of things we’ve learned along the way but up to them to search the scriptures and dig deeper. Oswald Chambers ends one of his devotionals this way…’When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.’ These words have been helpful for me because Paul also warns that knowledge puffs up and with the gift of discernment, we have be humble.
14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. 16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. Ecclesiastes 9
I totally agree when you said that those who possess the gift of discernment have hearts they are in constant mourning. But, can born again Christians be totally lacking in any discernment. Is the born again believer really blinded to certain passages of scripture. If you sit in a Biblically based sound church preaching the True word of God, then you are without excuse. Maybe instead of making excuses for these people, let’s just say they are not walking in the Spirit, but feel more comfortable walking in the flesh.
I do not agree. Discernment is given by the HOLY SPIRIT for the Body of Christ. To diminish that gift and the blessings is wrong. The problem is with those that respond to the discernment. JESUS had similar responses to His discernment and yet He was never a curse.