Read It: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
Live It:
How does the gift of discernment work in a person’s life? Probably a better question is “How do I get the Spirit to tell me what I need to know so I will make the best decision in every situation?” This is not really the gift of discernment.
Go back and read the whole chapter. Notice that Paul is speaking in the context of the community of believers. The gift of discernment is not about me and my life. It is about more than that. This gift is for problems that affect the body of Christ, both visible and invisible.
For example, an elder of a church had a dream one night. He saw a barn where the animals were all running around without direction. One animal gathered all the others to go out the door of the barn in a particular direction. But, it was hailing and raining outside. Finally, the elder saw himself convincing the animals to stay where they were for protection. Within three weeks, there was an attempt to split the church over who would be the next pastor. God prepared the elder by giving him a dream of discernment by which he knew the “good intentions” of another person were not “good” at all but would result in the death of the church.
Are you praying to be used in the gift of discernment? May God use you in this gift for the glory of God!
Carl