Read It: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
Live It:
Discernment is one of the most needed gifts in the church. In fact, one of the greatest issues facing our society is mental illness. However, is it mental illness or demonic illness? Nowhere has any mental health professional dealt with this topic. They would be laughed out of the business. Pastors and theologians have written a plethora of articles and books on demonic illnesses, but no one has come out with a system that works. Why? Because demonic attacks and mental illnesses often look exactly alike. That is why the church is in desperate need of the gift of discernment.
One evening, Tina and I were traveling home from work and decided to stop off at one of our favorite fast-food places. We walked in behind a man who by his clothing I assumed was homeless. Tina went to the restroom to wash her hands, and I began to notice the man in front of me. He was muttering to himself and becoming more and more agitated. I thought, “I should lay hands on this guy and cast that demon out of his life.” Then I thought, “Where did that come from? This guy is just dealing with a lack of medications.”
He and I ordered our food, him first and me second. He went to sit down since the place was busier than usual. I also sat down, but I could not get my attention off this man because of the thoughts that were going through my mind. He was becoming more and more agitated since the food was taking more time than “normal.” Fifteen minutes later, he finally received his order and sat down. I went to pick up Tina’s and my order. Then, the man got up and walked by me. As he went by, he said, “Greater is he that is in me than he that is in you.”
Stunned beyond belief, I realized that I had missed the opportunity to help this person be free of the demonic influence in his life. Here was the Spirit of God indicating to me that this man needed spiritual release, but because of my own lack of trust, I did not listen.
God wants to give us his discernment. Not for our own glory but to free our world from the bondage of sin, eternal punishment, and demonic forces. Are you listening to the Spirit? Ask for the gift; He generously gives it.
Carl