Christ-like Priorities & Purposes | Christian Ministry Training Blog

Want to Be More Discerning? – Start from the Inside Out

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Discernment from the Inside Out
God is concerned not merely with us making the right choices in what we do but also for the driving forces within us … our motivations, our thoughts. That will drive our discernment.

I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve. (Jer. 17:10)

God examines us from the inside out — our heart and mind, — and holds us accountable for what He sees.

His examination of our innermost being need not scare us if we remember that He loves us. Perfect love casts out fear because we know a loving God can only have our best in mind. In reality, the more we understand “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” we will actually invite Him to scrutinize us.

Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. (Ps. 26:2-3)

God’s examination is key to us being discerning as we don’t see the full picture as He does.

We’re often blinded to our own biases and inappropriate motivations that skew our perception of life. We can let emotions govern our choices. Just because something feels right, however, doesn’t mean it is right. We can let negative thoughts cloud our judgment. Fear and doubts could hold us back from doing what is best. Worry, anxiety, and impatience could lead to compromise. For this reason, we begin with God. Pray similar to Psalm 139:23-24.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

If you want to be discerning, you need to be transformed from the inside out “by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:2)

Want to Be More Discerning? – Look at God

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

Sometimes we Christians don’t like the word “assessment” for the church as though it is a worldly idea. To be sure, if we aren’t careful our objectives and means of assessing can take on a worldly slant but assessment is God’s idea. So, to be more discerning we need to look at God as our standard.

Look at How God Discerns and Assesses

He did it when He created the world. Read through Genesis 1 and you will find God stepping back at different stages to look over what He has made. — “And God saw that it was good.”

God continues to keep tabs on His creation, particularly the people He created. Notice the words I’ve capitalized below in Psalm 139:1-3.

O LORD, you have SEARCHED me and you KNOW me. You KNOW when I sit and when I rise; you PERCEIVE my thoughts from afar. You DISCERN my going out and my lying down; you are FAMILIAR WITH all my ways.

God doesn’t merely observe us dispassionately from a distance. He becomes thoroughly acquainted with us and what we are doing. He scrutinizes us because He cares about us, His crowning jewel of creation. Psalm 139 goes on to communicate how precious His thoughts are toward us.

Do’s and Don’ts About the Discernment Process

Clearly, God is our role model for learning to be more discerning. From Him we learn some do’s and don’ts about the discernment process:

Do so because you care. Don’t take what you do lightly.

Do a thorough assessment. Don’t miss something important that should be taken into consideration.

Do a regular check on things. Don’t take a hands-off approach.

Getting Guidance from God First Only Makes Sense

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Guidance from God Needed

Turning to God first for guidance only makes sense because He will not only lead us in what is good but also to what is best. As God, He qualifies like none other for determining what that path should be.

What Qualifies God as Our First Stop for Guidance

He’s the Eternal One who knows the beginning from the end.

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Ps. 48:14)

He’s our Deliverer to whom we belong.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Ps. 25:5)

He’s our Protector who looks after us for our good.

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Ps. 31:3)

He’s the One to whom belongs all the glory.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Ps. 23:3)
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Ps. 31:3)

Turning to God First to Guide Us Only Makes Sense

Let’s get real.

To be God, He would have to be the Almighty, Infinite, Holy God of whom there is no greater or better. That would make His ways always the best.

As humans, we are finite beings unable to see the big picture and powerless to get beyond our own self-interests to make an eternal difference.

So, let’s trust Him fully to guide our steps.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5-6)

For More About This God Who Can Be Trusted to Guide Us, Go To: Theology Resources

Also Consider This Resource: Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Resource