How to Use Discernment as a Christian
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ”
Learning to Walk in Discernment
After rededicating my life to Christ, one word kept surfacing in my heart over and over again: discernment. It was like a constant whisper from the Holy Spirit, nudging me to wake up and truly see the world around me. And the more I leaned into that, the more I realized just how much deception exists in our everyday lives—how easily we can be led astray without even realizing it.
The Bible warns us about “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15), and for so long, I had unknowingly followed along with the flow of what was “normal” in society. I didn’t question things; I just accepted them as they were, assuming that if everyone else was doing it, it must be right. Can you relate?
Everything from what a family should look like to the food we eat, the media we consume, and the values we embrace—so much of it is dictated by the world rather than by God. And when I finally took a step back, I saw how far some of these things were from what He actually calls us to.
A Different Standard
The reality is, what God has called us to be as Christian women is completely different from the standard that society sets for us today. The world tells us to chase success, self-indulgence, and approval from others. But God calls us to pursue holiness, wisdom, and a heart fully devoted to Him. Society may define worth by how much we accomplish or how well we fit into a mold, but God defines it by how closely we walk with Him.
And that’s where discernment comes in.
Growing in Discernment
Discernment isn’t just about recognizing right from wrong—it’s about developing the wisdom to see beyond the surface, to understand what aligns with God’s truth and what doesn’t. It’s about listening to His voice above all the noise. And that kind of wisdom doesn’t come from the world; it comes from spending time with God, soaking in His Word, and allowing Him to transform our hearts.
Since making this my priority, my perspective has completely changed. I no longer just go along with the flow—I seek God’s direction in every decision, big and small. And the more I trust Him, the clearer things become.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting messages in the world today, know that you’re not alone. But also know this: God has given us everything we need to navigate this life with clarity and truth. All we have to do is seek Him.
I pray that as I share my journey, it encourages you to pursue discernment in your own life—to lean into His Word, to listen for His voice, and to walk confidently in the path He has set before you.
