Discrimination is often viewed negatively in our world today, but in the biblical sense, it is a crucial trait of the Christian life. Proper discrimination is not about prejudice or favoritism; rather, it is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and error, wisdom and foolishness. Hebrews 5:14 states, “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.” (NASB). As followers of Christ, we are called to develop a deep sense of discernment in all aspects of our lives. This is not merely an option; it is an expectation for those who desire to be pleasing to God.
Jesus Himself emphasized this principle when He instructed His disciples, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as shrewd as serpents, and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16, NASB). The world is filled with deception, and if we are not careful, we may find ourselves accepting falsehoods that lead us away from God’s truth. True wisdom is not just about knowledge; it is about knowing how to apply God’s Word rightly in a world that constantly seeks to twist it.
1. Discerning Good from Evil
One of the fundamental aspects of spiritual maturity is the ability to recognize sin. Galatians 5:19-21 warns, “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (NASB).
It is not enough to know that these sins exist—we must be able to recognize them in ourselves and in the world around us. Many sins today are rebranded and disguised as personal freedom or self-expression, but as Christians, we must not be deceived. If we are to walk in the light, we must reject the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
2. Distinguishing Between What is Permissible and What is Advisable
Not everything that is technically permissible is beneficial to our Christian walk. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 8 that while eating meat sacrificed to idols is not inherently sinful, it could become a stumbling block to a weaker brother. “But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” (1 Corinthians 8:9, NASB). The principle here applies to many modern-day issues: entertainment choices, language, clothing, and habits. Are our actions leading others toward Christ, or are they causing confusion and spiritual harm?
Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up.” (NASB). Christian wisdom calls us to evaluate not just what we can do, but what we should do in order to glorify God and lead others to Him.
3. Discerning Truth from Error
Deception does not always come in obvious forms. Many false teachings are cloaked in elements of truth, making them difficult to recognize unless we are spiritually discerning. James 3:17 teaches, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.” (NASB).
It is possible for error to be presented with humility and sincerity, but sincerity does not make something true. Many people are misled by false doctrines simply because they trust the messenger rather than measuring the message against the Word of God. “Test all things; hold fast to that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NASB).
4. Recognizing the Difference Between Character and Reputation
Reputation is what others think of us, but character is what God knows about us. Many people focus on maintaining a good reputation while neglecting the integrity of their hearts. Proverbs 10:9 states, “One who walks in integrity walks securely, but one who perverts his ways will be found out.” (NASB).
God is not interested in the opinions of men; He judges based on the heart. We must ask ourselves: Are we striving to appear righteous, or are we actually living righteously? Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for being “like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27, NASB). A life devoted to Christ is not about outward appearances but about inward transformation.
5. The Difference Between a Church Member and a Christian
One of the greatest deceptions is the belief that simply attending church makes one a Christian. Acts 2:47 states, “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (NASB). Salvation is found in Christ, not in mere affiliation with a congregation.
Many people sit in church buildings but remain unchanged. True Christianity is defined by obedience to God’s Word, love for others, and a transformed life. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (NASB). We must examine our lives to ensure that our faith is not just external but deeply rooted in Christ.
6. Distinguishing True and False Philosophy
Worldly philosophy often masquerades as wisdom, but God’s wisdom is distinct from human reasoning. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates three perspectives: the robbers, who lived by the rule of force; the priest and Levite, who lived by the rule of convenience; and the Samaritan, who lived by the rule of love (Luke 10:30-37). Many today operate under a philosophy of selfishness or avoidance rather than genuine Christian love.
Colossians 2:8 warns, “See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.” (NASB). We must measure all beliefs against God’s truth and reject those that conflict with His Word.
Conclusion
Discrimination, in its proper sense, is not about judgmentalism but about wisdom. It is about having the discernment to recognize good from evil, truth from error, and what is beneficial from what is merely permissible. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (NASB).
If we wish to be pleasing to God, we must train ourselves in spiritual discernment. We must not blindly accept every teaching, nor live in a way that seeks to please men rather than God. The path of wisdom is narrow, but it leads to life. Let us pray for the wisdom to walk in it.
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