Daily Devotion: Discerning People

Bible Reading: Malachi 1

Key Verse: Verse 2 – “I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,”

Key Words: Wherein hast thou loved us?

The Jewish leaders didn't see themselves as having a problem. They didn't see themselves as being a problem. They lacked discernment.

Discernment is the ability to detect and identify real truth and act upon it. This reminds me of an old Persian proverb.

He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.
He who knows and knows not that he knows is asleep; wake him.
He who knows and knows that he knows is wise; follow him.

Discernment would rather stay home at night and read a good book rather than go out with the wrong crowd. Discernment would rather do right and realize that the reward lies ahead than do wrong and have immediate attention and popularity. Discernment would rather be called boring and drive safely than be accepted for misbehavior behind the wheel. Discernment thinks of what is honest, rather than what benefits me personally.

A lack of discernment reveals one of two things.

1. Either the one who lacks discernment is not saved, or
2. They are spiritually immature. (Read I Corinthians 2:14-16.)

A Christian without discernment is like a pilot attempting to land a loaded 747 in a dense fog without instruments or radio: lots of noise, power and good intentions...until...oh, well, you get the picture.

Do you really want discernment but don't know where to find it?

1. Go to your knees. James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."
2. Go to the Word of God. Psalm 119:98-107, "Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me." Verse 99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation." Verse 100, "I understand more than the ancients because I kept thy precepts."
3. Go to the wise. Discernment is better caught than taught. Those who have it are highly contagious.

Now go on, get discernment and act upon it. You'll be better for it.

What to do:
✞ Assume you have discernment. Ask God to reveal to you if you are lacking in this area.

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