Four Principles of Discernment

*I think this is an important subject as many of us wonder how do we find our God's will - and often we are tempted to hold a view where we expect a "dramatic answer" immediately or "just tell me God faster" kind of approach. Another challenge is when because we lack self-awareness and understanding .. what we think is from God is actually our own "hang ups". But does that mean it's impossible to know. .. ? No, I believe when we're in a humble and honest posture we can "discern" and I think points 3 and 4 are very relevant. This process is also not mechanical but very organic and relational for Christians. So before you make the next decision -esp. a major one like life partners, work, education, etc. Walk through these 4 principles as a check list. (Special thanks to Latino Liz for the post)~ Sivin*

(This was recommended by N. Graham Standish, author of Becoming a Blessed Church, a book I would like to do with the developing church leadership...eventually)

Here are four simple principles to keep in mind whenever seeking to discern God’s will as an individual or group.

1. Grounding in Scripture
Discernment always starts with Scripture. That doesn’t mean that to discern, a person must immediately open the Bible and look for particular guidance. That works at times, but it isn’t the best way. For effective and powerful discernment, it is best simply to become a person of Scripture. This means engaging in regular devotional reading of Scripture, becoming part of Bible studies, and listening to Scripture through sermons. Grounding our discernment in Scripture allows us to be formed by Scripture so that the words begin to guide us even when we are not aware of their influence.

2. Listening for Christ’s Voice
God’s voice is so much richer than ours, and God can speak to us through anything—a song, a poem, a leaf, a graduation ceremony, the lettering on a truck, the stray comment of a stranger—anything. Learn to become attuned to how God is speaking. At the same time, don’t assume that everything you hear is from God. Be discriminating and somewhat skeptical. The true voice of God will resonate within. Your heart will leap at its sound.

3. Clarifying.
Don’t just assume because you have heard something that it has to be God’s voice. Far too many false preachers, teachers, and prophets have been deceived by their own pride masquerading as God’s voice. Have the humility to ask, “Is this really you, God?” Then talk with others, especially those who you believe are spiritually attuned. If God is speaking to you, they will sense it too. If the voice isn’t God’s, their doubts will help you go back and listen again. The important part of clarifying God’s voice is recognizing that Christ is present and speaks to us throughout life, but that our egos, especially when they are immature and afraid of seeking Christ, can speak to us through a false voice that mimics Christ’s voice. Discernment requires us to spend time clarifying, to whatever extent we can, whether the voice we hear is Christ’s voice. If it is, then it will be affirmed by others who also are seeking to discern God’s will.

4. Following in Faith
Following in faith is the thing that separates real ministry and mission from activities that are self-serving. When we follow God in faith, we still have doubts, we still are a bit reluctant, we still have trepidations, but we act anyway. If Christ is really the one calling, something special will happen. The impossible will become possible—and sometimes the possible becomes impossible when our timing isn’t God’s. Generally, God will find a way to work through us to make what God wants happen . This is how God as Presence works. God as Purpose calls us to ministry and mission, and God as Presence makes it happen through us. To be a blessed church means acting in faith.