reflects the truth. We hear and see things from our perspective and act, speak or assume according to what we perceive. But there is a big danger in that; your perception can turn into self- deception if not perceived correctly. You can end up in an uncomfortable situation or even get yourself into a deep mess because you have acted on
something you thought was the truth, but it wasn’t.
Now, what is the alternative to perception? The answer is very simple – DISCERNMENT! What is Discernment you may ask? To keep it simple,
discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth. In other words, the ability to think with discernment is synonymous with an ability to think biblically. Discernment is never based on what we see in front of us, but consults God about the facts.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 lets us know that it is the responsibility of every Believer to be discerning: "Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."(NKJV) The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God". 1
John 4:1 (NIV) According to the New Testament, discernment is not optional for the believer - it is required.
In order to live an uncompromised life that is not lead by your own perception your ability to exercise your God-given discernment is
the key. Without it you can end up in an unrealistic world of lies created by your own perceptions which will end up causing destruction to yourself.
I encourage you to make the decision, that from this day forward you will no longer use your or act upon your perception, but instead use your God-given discernment to lead you into the true reality of God, life, things and people.
Written by Evangelist Yohanna Hoehler