The End of Discernment: Day 30

Of course, there isn’t an end of discernment. It’s a continual process of how we live, a way of engaging with other people, our world and its message, and the Bible. And I will continue to talk about this invaluable topic in the future.

But for now, I think it’s time to tie a bow on this blog series.

Keep Thinking

There are still things I’d like to share with you about discerning well.

How, like the blind men in the poem, we have to attend to both the details and the big picture if we don’t want to get it all wrong.

That, as we practice discernment regularly, we can also trust some truths without stress. It’s okay to focus our discernment on certain areas or people groups where we are called to converse. We don’t have to discern all things at all times in all places for all people.

How every time we think, or challenge our children to do so, we are taking a step forward. Each attempt is a brick that becomes something worthwhile, particularly when taken all together. Even our mistakes and failings and misunderstandings help us grow in the discerning life. We don’t have to fear doing it wrong.

That the Holy Spirit is our ultimate guide on the journey of the discerning life. His is the mind of Christ, and He is always willing and more than powerful enough to help us in this area. We can trust him.

Journey With Others

At the end of discernment, though, we also have the privilege to join with others. We don’t have to do all the thinking alone. There are great books and articles out there to help us.

Even more, we have the beauty and power of the community of God. Not every part of it is interested, or well-versed, in the thoughtful life. But it doesn’t have to be. God is creating a masterpiece, as we join with other believers, each of us doing our part to build each other up to maturity (Ephesians 4).

So get connected. Online and in real life. Do discernment in community. That is a very good thing