In Touch - Jan. 1, 2007

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Published Dec 29, 2006

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

January 01, 2007

Why We Need Spiritual Discernment

Things are not always what they seem is the mantra of mystery novels, but it’s also a wise attitude for successful living. Too many people make decisions according to feelings, or they judge situations based only on what appears to be real. The Lord has given every believer a discerning spirit, so we can determine what is best.

Think about how many decisions a person makes in a day—choices about family, finances, work, etc. In an ideal world, a decision would have a correct choice and an incorrect one. As a result, it would be easy to make. In reality, however, what seems right is not always what’s best.

Some things that are neither wrong nor sinful are still outside of God’s will. Scripture doesn’t contain specific directives regarding every possible life scenario. Instead, the Bible is filled with principles. At times, they’re explained through stories and often through direct teaching.

Believers have the capacity to grow in spiritual maturity. Biblical principles together with guidance from the Holy Spirit become tools for making godly judgments. The question is not whether a certain choice looks good or feels right. It’s whether or not a particular decision is God’s will for that point in a person’s life.

A well-developed spirit of discernment is essential for living in God’s will. Without this sensitivity to the Lord’s plan, a man or woman will take everything at face value. Many choices that look good and feel right are actually contrary to what God desires for a believer’s life. For that reason, we must evaluate situations from a biblical perspective.

FEATURED RESOURCE

The Ways of God
from Dr. Charles Stanley

God’s ways are always perfect, and following them leads to fulfillment and success. One of life’s undeniable truths is that your choices will ultimately determine your future. While you can decide for yourself what career field to enter or who to marry, nothing compares with seeking God first and relying on the wonderful principles of His Word. In this series, Dr. Stanley teaches that as you serve God and seek His ways, you’ll be blessed with peace, wisdom, and guidance for the journey ahead. Order here now!

To see more resources from In Touch Ministries, please visit us at www.intouch.org or go directly to our bookstore at In Touch Ministries.