Being Discerning

“Indeed, My Servant will act wisely and will prosper; / He will be exalted and lifted up and very high.” (Isaiah 52:13, RecVer) 

The spirit of wisdom and discernment is from God. The only way to be truly wise is to be one with God. What He is, is what I should be. His thoughts my thoughts, His mind my mind, His will my will, His words my words, His ways my ways, His work my work, and His walk my walk. In such oneness, I can exercise His wisdom.

Through many experiences in my Christian life, I have faced failures, rejections, oppositions, and even false accusations. I have been learning to take everything as from the Lord. Such experiences in life make me grow in life too. Along with this growth, comes wisdom and discernment. I in no way claim to have become wise, but I do experience exercising wisdom. Experiences with people have taught me a lot of life lessons. Especially, the bitter and difficult experiences truly trained me to be more wise and discerning. Now, to some extent, I can testify that the Lord has granted me some wisdom and discernment concerning persons, matters, and things.

A brother called me recently and offered himself to serve full-time in the literature service. Right away I knew his intention was not pure. In fact, he was simply looking out for a means of survival. I immediately confronted him about his offer and that he did it only for money. Though he tried to deny it, but that was the fact. I spoke boldly and straightforwardly and even used a strong word. My intention was to help him realize his heart was not pure and his intention was not right. I could see things clearly even through him. I only hope that he humbles himself and simply follows the Lord's leading for all his financial needs. In fact, I never was like that. I generally would talk politely and use my natural human politeness. But the time has come now to stand up and call black as black and white as white.  I believe this is what I really should be by this time. I can remain the same year by year. I must also grow in wisdom and discernment.

Likewise, I have been experiencing complex situations now and then. But I took them as lessons from the Lord for me to learn. Yes, learn to be wise and discerning by turning to the Lord deep within concerning those situations, considering carefully how and why it happened. I have been graced to be touched by the many brothers and sisters around me, in the church life, and within my family circle. Because, when I prayed for wisdom, God gave me problems to solve.

Now, when seekers call me for any help, especially financial help, I direct them to trust in the Lord and not in me. May the Lord grace me to learn from Him and take His wisdom and discernment as mine.