Chiamaka NwekeThe Critical Need for Discernment
We live in an age of information overload. Every day, we are bombarded with messages from countless sources—social media, news outlets, podcasts, books, and voices from every corner of the internet. Opinions are plentiful, but truth is often elusive. False teaching proliferates not only in the world but also within the church. As Jay E. Adams observed, “Christians today are inundated with more false teaching than ever before. It comes from books, magazines, seminars, televangelists, pastors, and Bible teachers within our churches” . The result is widespread confusion among believers who struggle to determine what is genuinely biblical and what is not.
In this environment of competing voices, the ability to distinguish truth from error, good from evil, and the genuine from the counterfeit is not merely a helpful skill—it is essential for survival. The writer of the book of Hebrews addresses this very issue. He laments that his audience, who should have been teachers by this time, still needed someone to teach them the basic truths of God’s word. They had failed to mature. They were still spiritual infants, unable to digest solid food. He writes: “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14).
This verse is the biblical blueprint for growing in spiritual discernment. It reveals that discernment is not a gift that some have and others lack; it is a skill developed through consistent practice and training. It is the mark of spiritual maturity. It is the ability to see things as God sees them—to separate truth from error, to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil, and to approve what is excellent . In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the meaning of discernment, the path to maturity, and the practical steps to cultivate this essential spiritual discipline.
Understanding the Context of Hebrews 5:14
To fully grasp the weight of Hebrews 5:14, we must understand its place within the broader argument of the book of Hebrews and the specific situation of its original readers.
The Historical Setting of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews was written to a community of Jewish believers who were facing intense persecution and were tempted to abandon their faith and return to the familiar rituals of Judaism. They had been publicly insulted, imprisoned, and stripped of their possessions (Hebrews 10:32-34). The pressure to recant was immense. The writer’s purpose was to demonstrate the absolute supremacy of Christ over the Old Covenant system—that He is greater than the angels, greater than Moses, and greater than the Aaronic priesthood. He is the perfect High Priest who offered the perfect sacrifice, once and for all.
The Problem of Spiritual Immaturity
In Hebrews 5:11-14, the writer pauses his theological argument to rebuke his readers. He has much to say about Melchizedek and the priesthood of Christ, but he finds it difficult to explain because his audience has become “dull of hearing” (verse 11). They have not grown in their understanding. They are still in need of the elementary truths—the “milk” of God’s word—when they should have been teachers themselves. They were not progressing; they were regressing.
The “Milk” and “Solid Food” Metaphor: Milk represents the basic doctrines of the Christian faith—the foundational truths about repentance, faith, baptism, resurrection, and eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1-2). These are the essential teachings that every believer must understand to be saved. Solid food, on the other hand, represents the deeper, more complex truths about Christ’s priesthood, the nature of His sacrifice, and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. Solid food is for the mature—those who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
The Contrast with 1 Corinthians 2:15
Hebrews 5:14 is closely related to Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 2:15, where he writes that “the spiritual person judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment.” This “judging” or “examining” (anakrinō in Greek) is the same concept as discernment. The spiritual person, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture, can evaluate all things accurately. The natural person, however, cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14) .
Shared Themes: Both texts affirm that discernment is a skill. Hebrews emphasizes the training process; Corinthians describes the mature outcome. Both texts attribute discernment to God’s work—either through the “mind of Christ” in Corinthians or through “solid food” that God supplies in Hebrews. Both texts highlight maturity and the protection that discernment provides against deception .
Deconstructing the Verse – The Anatomy of Discernment
To fully grasp the power of Hebrews 5:14, we must examine its key words and phrases. Each reveals a crucial aspect of spiritual discernment.
“Solid Food Is for the Mature”
The Greek word for “mature” is teleios, which means complete, perfect, or full-grown. In the context of Hebrews, it does not refer to sinless perfection but to spiritual maturity—a state of development and growth in understanding. It describes those who have moved beyond the elementary teachings of the faith and are capable of receiving and digesting deeper truths .
The Path to Maturity: The author is not implying that some believers are “elite” and others are not. He is urging all believers to grow. Spiritual maturity is not a destination; it is a journey. It is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ. It is the result of consistent exposure to God’s Word and faithful obedience.
“Who by Constant Use Have Trained Themselves”
The phrase “by constant use” translates the Greek word hexis, which means a habit or a condition acquired by practice. It implies a regular, repeated exercise. The verb “have trained” is from gymnazō, from which we derive the word “gymnasium.” It pictures an athlete who trains their body through rigorous discipline .
The Athletic Analogy: Just as an athlete does not become strong overnight but through consistent, disciplined training, so a believer does not become discerning overnight. Discernment is developed through the steady, regular exercise of the spiritual senses. It requires diligence, patience, and perseverance. It cannot be acquired passively; it must be intentionally cultivated.
“Their Senses”
The word “senses” refers to the faculties of perception—the spiritual senses that enable us to perceive and evaluate spiritual realities. This is not a reference to physical senses but to the mind, the conscience, and the spiritual intuition that is trained by the Word and the Spirit .
The Need for Practice: As Dr. Joel Sienkiewicz reminds us, “You can know the Bible, but not know the Bible.” Accumulating information alone is not the same as spiritual understanding. True discernment requires a receptive posture—approaching Scripture as learners who remain dependent on God, regardless of education or experience . The spiritual senses must be exercised. They must be sharpened through use.
“To Distinguish Good from Evil”
The goal of this training is the ability to “distinguish good from evil.” The Greek word for “distinguish” is diakrisis, which means a clear discrimination, a separating, or a judging. It involves the process of separating things at their points of difference in order to distinguish them .
The Process of Separation: Discernment is not just knowing that something is good or bad; it is knowing why. It is the ability to identify the subtle nuances of truth and error. It is the capacity to recognize when something “good” is being used to mask something “evil.” It is the skill to evaluate not just the obvious but the subtle.
What Is Spiritual Discernment?
Before we can grow in discernment, we must understand what it actually is. The Bible uses several Greek words to describe discernment, each revealing a different facet of this essential ability.
A Biblical Definition of Discernment
Spiritual discernment in the Bible refers to the God-given ability to understand truth, recognize God’s will (Romans 12:2), and distinguish between what aligns with Scripture and what does not (Philippians 1:9-10) . Jay E. Adams defines it as “the divinely given ability to distinguish God’s thoughts and ways from all others” .
More Than Intuition: Discernment is not a vague feeling or a “gut instinct.” It is an act of the mind, guided by the Holy Spirit and informed by the Word of God. It is the ability to see things as God sees things. It is the process of making careful distinctions in our thinking about truth .
The Hebrew Concept: Bin
The Old Testament concept of discernment is captured in the Hebrew word bin, which is used 247 times. It is related to the noun bayin, which means “interval” or “space between,” and the preposition ben, “between.” Essentially, it means “to separate things from one another at their points of difference in order to distinguish them” . Discernment is skill in reaching understanding and knowledge through a process of separation.
The Art of Distinction: Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is good and what is best, between what is true and what is merely plausible, between what is of God and what is of the flesh. It is the art of making wise distinctions.
The Greek Words for Discernment
The New Testament uses several Greek words to describe discernment :
- Anakrinō: To examine, scrutinize, or investigate. It involves a careful, thorough examination to determine the true nature of something. The Bereans are commended for “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11).
- Diakrinō: To separate, discriminate, or decide. It involves the process of distinguishing between things.
- Dokimazō: To test, prove, or scrutinize. It involves testing something to determine its validity or worth.
- Diakrisis: The noun form of diakrinō, referring to the act of discerning or distinguishing. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, it refers to the gift of “discerning of spirits” in the context of spiritual gifts.
Discernment vs. Judgment
It is important to distinguish between discernment and a judgmental spirit. Discernment is the God-honoring ability to evaluate truth and error based on Scripture. A judgmental spirit is a self-righteous, critical attitude that condemns others. Jay Adams wisely notes, “Certainly, neither you nor I want to develop a judgmental spirit. But we must cultivate a discerning spirit” . Discernment is motivated by love and seeks to build up; judgmentalism is motivated by pride and seeks to tear down.
The Path to Maturity – How Discernment Develops
Hebrews 5:14 provides the blueprint for developing discernment: “by constant use” and “trained.” It is a process that takes time and intentional effort. As Dr. Sienkiewicz advises, “It’s not a sprint — don’t burn out. It’s a marathon” .
Constant Exposure to Scripture
The foundation of all discernment is a deep, consistent engagement with the Word of God. You cannot discern truth from error if you do not know the truth. The psalmist declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily” to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:11).
A Lifelong Process: Growing in discernment is a lifelong process of recognizing God’s truth, listening attentively for His guidance, and applying biblical wisdom to everyday situations . It involves developing skills through intentional spiritual practices and nurturing a relationship with God.
Obedient Practice
Discernment is not just about knowing; it is about doing. James 1:22 commands, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Obedience trains the senses. When we act on God’s truth, our ability to recognize it is strengthened. As Jesus said, “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17).
The Connection Between Obedience and Understanding: Obedience brings clarity. When we obey what we already know, God reveals more. When we resist, we become dull of hearing.
Dependence on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Teacher and Guide who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). It is the Spirit who illuminates Scripture and applies it to our hearts. As Paul writes, “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12).
A Gift of Grace: As Dr. Sienkiewicz reminds us, discernment is ultimately “a gift of grace, not intellectual achievement.” He notes, “No matter what degrees I have, no matter how much I’ve studied, I am essentially a receptive learner toward the Bible” . We must approach God’s Word with humility, depending on the Spirit to teach us.
Faithful Fellowship
Discernment is not a solo endeavor. We need the community of believers to sharpen us. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and to “not giving up meeting together.” In community, we can learn from the wisdom of mature believers, test our insights, and correct one another.
The Role of the Church: The church is the context for spiritual growth. It is where we hear the Word preached, participate in the sacraments, and receive counsel and correction from fellow believers.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Spiritual Discernment
How do we actively grow in this essential discipline? Here are practical steps to train our spiritual senses.
Prioritize Daily Bible Reading and Study
You cannot grow in discernment without a regular diet of God’s Word. Set aside time each day to read, study, and meditate on Scripture. Use a systematic reading plan to cover the whole Bible over time. Focus not just on reading for information but for transformation.
The Goal: The goal is not just to know facts about God but to know God Himself. As Dr. Sienkiewicz puts it, “You can know the Bible, but not know the Bible.” We must approach the Scriptures with a posture of humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit .
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” We must pray for discernment. We must ask God to open our eyes to see wonderful things in His law (Psalm 119:18). We must pray that our “love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that [we] may be able to discern what is best” (Philippians 1:9-10).
The Prayer of Paul: Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11 is the model prayer for discernment. He prays that believers would grow in love, knowledge, and discernment so that they may approve things that are excellent and be pure and blameless.
Test Everything Against Scripture
The Bereans were commended because they “examined the Scriptures daily” to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:11). We must adopt this posture of testing everything—every teaching, every idea, every trend, every impulse—against the Word of God. 1 John 4:1 commands, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
The Litmus Test: John provides two tests for discernment: whether it upholds the view of Jesus as the Christ who came in the flesh (1 John 4:2-3) and whether it upholds the unity of believers under Christ .
Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” We are not meant to navigate life alone. We need wise, mature believers to help us see things clearly. Share your decisions and questions with trusted mentors. Seek their input and perspective. They can often see blind spots that you cannot.
The Value of Mentors: Mentors who are grounded in Scripture and have demonstrated wisdom over time can provide invaluable guidance. They can warn you of pitfalls you cannot see.
Learn to Disagree Well
Not every theological issue is essential. There are “non-essential” matters where believers can legitimately disagree. Discernment involves knowing the difference between what is essential (the fundamentals of the faith) and what is secondary. We must be willing to disagree well, remaining united under the essentials of the faith while allowing grace on matters of conscience .
The Unity Principle: Paul exhorts believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Discernment is not an excuse for division; it is a tool for maintaining truth in love.
Apply Discernment to Media and Culture
We are constantly bombarded with messages from the world. Television, social media, movies, and advertising all promote values that are often contrary to Scripture. We must apply discernment to these influences. Dr. Sienkiewicz notes, “It takes spiritual discernment — that is, the Spirit giving you insight into the truth of it” to evaluate whether these influences align with biblical truth or distract from Christ-centered living .
Cultivating a Critical Eye: We should not consume media uncritically. We must ask questions: What is the worldview behind this message? Does it align with Scripture? Is it promoting values that are consistent with God’s Word?
Biblical Examples of Discernment
The Bible is filled with examples of both those who possessed discernment and those who lacked it. Studying these examples helps us understand discernment in action.
God’s Perfect Discernment
The ultimate source of discernment is God Himself. His discernment is perfect and complete. Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, also displayed perfect discernment. He “did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (John 2:25). He could see through the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and discern the true motives of their hearts .
Joseph: Discernment in Governance
When Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dream, he demonstrated remarkable discernment. He not only interpreted the dream but also proposed a wise plan for the coming years of plenty and famine. Pharaoh recognized this and declared, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38). Joseph’s discernment was so evident that even a pagan ruler recognized it .
Solomon: Discernment in Leadership
When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom to govern the people. God granted him “a wise and discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:12). The classic demonstration of his discernment was the case of the two women claiming the same baby. Solomon’s proposal to cut the child in half revealed the true mother’s heart. The people saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice .
Jesus’ Disciples: Growing Discernment
The disciples of Jesus, though they walked with Him for three years, often lacked discernment. They were slow to understand His teaching and His mission. After Jesus’ resurrection, He “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). The coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost transformed them into bold, discerning witnesses .
Paul: Discernment in Spiritual Warfare
Paul demonstrated remarkable discernment in his ministry. When a slave girl with a spirit of divination followed him, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God,” Paul was troubled. He discerned the spiritual source of her words and commanded the spirit to come out (Acts 16:16-18). He did not accept the “compliment” because it came from a demonic source. This is the skill of discernment—recognizing the source of a message.
Lack of Discernment as a Warning
The Bible also warns of the consequences of a lack of discernment. The nation of Israel often failed to discern God’s truth and purposes. The prophet Micah lamented, “The one who is upright in the midst of the crooked and perverse” (Micah 4:12). Hosea declared, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). A lack of discernment leads to destruction .
Obstacles to Growing in Discernment
Despite the clear call to grow in discernment, we face obstacles that hinder us.
The Obstacle of Spiritual Laziness
The root issue in Hebrews 5 is spiritual laziness. The readers had become “dull of hearing.” They had stopped growing. They had stopped pressing in. They were content with the elementary teachings and were unwilling to put in the effort required to mature.
The Antidote: We must be diligent. We must “make every effort to add to [our] faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5). Spiritual growth requires effort. We must actively pursue knowledge and understanding.
The Obstacle of Pride
Pride is a major enemy of discernment. When we think we already know everything, we stop learning. When we are confident in our own wisdom, we stop seeking God’s wisdom. Dr. Sienkiewicz emphasizes that true discernment requires humility: “Approaching Scripture as learners who remain dependent on God, regardless of education or experience” .
The Antidote: We must cultivate a teachable spirit. We must recognize our dependence on God. We must be willing to admit when we are wrong and to learn from others.
The Obstacle of Worldly Distraction
The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things can choke the Word and make it unfruitful (Mark 4:19). When our minds are consumed with worldly concerns, we have little capacity for spiritual growth.
The Antidote: We must set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). We must prioritize our relationship with God and intentionally carve out time for spiritual disciplines.
The Obstacle of False Teaching
False teachers actively work to deceive believers. Paul warns that in the last days, “people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). We must be vigilant and test everything.
The Antidote: We must be grounded in the Word. We must know the truth so well that we can recognize the counterfeit. We must pray for protection from deception.
The Rewards of Growing in Discernment
The pursuit of discernment yields profound rewards, both for the individual believer and for the church.
Protection from Deception
The primary benefit of discernment is protection from being led astray. When we can distinguish between truth and error, we are not “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Discernment is a shield against false doctrine.
Wisdom in Decision-Making
Discernment guides us in making wise decisions. When we can evaluate situations, people, and opportunities through the lens of Scripture, we are more likely to choose what is good and best. As Paul prays, we are able to “discern what is best” (Philippians 1:10). This applies to every area of life—relationships, career, finances, and personal habits.
A Life of Holiness
Discernment enables us to “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). This is not just about avoiding obvious sin; it is about making choices that honor God in every situation. When we can see the subtle differences between what is merely acceptable and what is truly excellent, we are empowered to live a life of holiness.
Effective Ministry
Mature believers with discernment are equipped to “be teachers” (Hebrews 5:12). They can accurately handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). They can help others grow. They can identify and correct error. They are a valuable asset to the body of Christ.
Unity in the Church
When believers exercise discernment, they can “disagree well” on non-essential matters while remaining united under the essentials of the faith. This fosters unity and prevents the division that often comes from misunderstanding and misapplication of Scripture .
Glorifying God
Ultimately, the goal of discernment is the glory of God. When we are discerning, we are able to “approve things that are excellent” and live in a manner that is “sincere and without offense” (Philippians 1:10). This brings praise and glory to God.
The Relationship Between Love and Discernment
There is a crucial relationship between love and discernment that must not be overlooked. Many Christians mistakenly believe they must choose between being loving and being discerning. The Bible presents them as inseparable.
The Wedded Harmony of Love and Discernment
Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-10 reveals this unity: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.” Paul does not pray that they would grow in love or discernment. He prays that their love would abound in knowledge and discernment .
No Separation: God never intended for Christians to choose between love and discernment. Nowhere in Scripture are we encouraged to choose one over the other. Rather, we are called to be filled with love for God and others while being filled with discernment .
The Priority of Love and Discernment
Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1 is his primary prayer request for the church. He does not pray for their numerical growth, financial prosperity, or freedom from persecution. He prays that they would know and do God’s will with pure motives and sincere hearts. In other words, he prays for discernment .
Avoiding Misunderstanding: We must avoid the trap of prioritizing love over doctrine or truth. As one preacher noted, “We live in a day where biblically ignorant people, sometimes even professing Christians, affirm that they are going to prioritize love above all things. They are going to prioritize love above doctrine and dogma, above theology and ideology” . This is a false dichotomy. Love without truth is not love; it is sentimentality. Truth without love is not truth; it is harshness. The two must go together.
Love as the Motivation for Discernment
Discernment is not meant to be a weapon for judgmentalism. It is meant to be an act of love. When we discern false teaching, we are protecting the flock. When we discern a brother’s error, we are seeking to restore him gently. Discernment motivated by love builds up; discernment motivated by pride tears down.
The Goal of Discernment: The goal of discernment is not to feel superior but to serve others. It is to help others grow in truth and holiness. It is to protect the church from harm.
Discernment and the Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential for developing and exercising discernment. He is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13) who guides us into all truth.
The Spirit as the Source of Discernment
Spiritual discernment is not a natural ability; it is a supernatural gift. It is “discernment that is given by the Spirit of God” . Paul explains that “the person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness” (1 Corinthians 2:14). But the spiritual person, filled with the Spirit, can “judge all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15).
A Receptive Posture: As Dr. Sienkiewicz emphasizes, we must approach Scripture with a posture of humility, depending on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word. “It takes spiritual discernment — that is, the Spirit giving you insight into the truth of it” .
The Spirit and the Word
The Holy Spirit does not work independently of the Word. He illuminates the Scriptures and applies them to our hearts. He uses the Word to train our senses. As John 14:26 says, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
The Need for Both: We cannot have discernment without the Spirit, and we cannot have discernment without the Word. They work together. The Spirit gives us understanding, and the Word provides the content of that understanding.
The Spirit’s Role in Testing
1 John 4:1 instructs us to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” The Holy Spirit enables us to make this distinction. He gives us the ability to recognize when a teaching or influence is genuinely of God and when it is from the enemy. This is the gift of “discerning of spirits” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10.
The Litmus Test: The Spirit helps us apply the tests of truth: Does this glorify Christ? Does it align with Scripture? Does it promote love and unity?
Discernment in Daily Life
Discernment is not just for academic theologians or church leaders; it is for every believer in every area of life. It is the skill of navigating the world with wisdom.
Discernment in Relationships
Discernment helps us choose our friends, our spouse, and our business partners wisely. It helps us recognize unhealthy relationships and set appropriate boundaries. It helps us know when to speak and when to remain silent.
Examples of Biblical Discernment in Relationships:
- Abraham’s servant discerned the right wife for Isaac (Genesis 24).
- Solomon discerned the true mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28).
- David discerned Joab’s manipulation (2 Samuel 14:18-20) .
Discernment in Finances
Discernment helps us make wise financial decisions. It helps us avoid get-rich-quick schemes, predatory lending, and unwise investments. It helps us be generous without being foolish. It helps us know when to give and when to withhold.
Discernment in Media Consumption
As noted earlier, we must apply discernment to the media we consume. The world’s values are often antithetical to Scripture. We must evaluate every message we receive: Does this align with God’s truth? Is it promoting a worldview that is consistent with Scripture? Is it building me up or tearing me down?
Cultivating Discernment: We must be intentional about the content we allow into our minds. We should ask ourselves: “Is this entertainment helping me grow in holiness, or is it desensitizing me to sin?”
Discernment in Teaching
We must be discerning about the teaching we receive. Even from the pulpit, we must “test the spirits.” We must compare what we hear with Scripture. We must be like the Bereans, who examined the Scriptures daily to see if Paul’s teaching was true (Acts 17:11).
The Berean Mindset: This is not an attitude of suspicion but of responsibility. We are accountable for what we believe. We must not blindly accept everything we hear.
The Call to Maturity
As we conclude, let us return to the call of Hebrews 5:14. It is a call to maturity. It is a call to leave behind the milk of infancy and embrace the solid food of maturity.
The Call to Grow
The writer of Hebrews rebukes his readers because they should have been teachers by this time, but they were still in need of basic instruction. He is not condemning them; he is calling them to greater growth. He is urging them to press on to maturity.
The Challenge: The challenge for us is the same. Are we growing? Are we pressing on in our knowledge of God? Are we training our senses to distinguish good from evil? Or have we become “dull of hearing”?
The Path of Training
Discernment is not a gift that some have and others lack; it is a skill that must be developed. It requires constant use and practice. It requires the discipline of regular Scripture reading, prayer, obedience, and fellowship. It is a lifelong process.
The Marathon: As Dr. Sienkiewicz advises, “It’s not a sprint — don’t burn out. It’s a marathon” . Growing in discernment takes time. But the rewards are eternal.
The Goal: Christlikeness
The ultimate goal of growing in discernment is to become more like Christ. He is the one who perfectly discerned the truth and lived it out. He is the “solid food” that nourishes our souls. As we grow in discernment, we will be better able to know Him, love Him, and serve Him.
The Encouragement
We are not left to grow in discernment alone. We have the Holy Spirit as our teacher. We have the Word of God as our guide. We have the community of believers as our support. And we have the promise of God’s grace, which is sufficient for every step of the journey.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Forgive me for the times I have been spiritually lazy, content with the milk of Your Word, unwilling to press on to maturity. I confess that I often lack discernment. I am easily deceived and distracted. Lord, I ask You to give me a hunger for solid food. I ask You to train my senses to distinguish good from evil. By Your Spirit, guide me into all truth. Help me to grow in love and discernment. Help me to test everything against Scripture. Help me to be a blessing to others through the wisdom You give me. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Chiamaka Nweke