Try Discernment - By Millie Fry

As we approached the end of Lent, we finished our ‘Try’ sermon series, based on Jesus’ sermon on the mount. The last sermon was titled “Try Discernment” – how do we know if we are walking the right path in our life with Jesus?

Discernment dictionary definition = to recognise, the ability to judge well

There are many decisions that require discernment – what job to apply for, which

church to go to, which people to let influence your life, or what God is asking you to

do. Most people could tell you how to live a good life, how to be kind, have fun and

work hard. Charles Spurgeon, a 19th century pastor and preacher, took it further by

saying "Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is

knowing the difference between right and almost right"

If we want to find ourselves on the right path we need to be able to tell the difference

between right and almost right. ‘Good’ people live in all sorts of different ways, but

we want to live the way of Jesus. So how do we discern if we are walking the right

path?

Focus on Jesus

I was reminded of this song, of which the lyrics are on the wall in our hallway at

home:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth

will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace”

The culture and temptations of the world around us are worth nothing compared to

Jesus. He is our treasure in heaven. As the song suggests, the pressures and

temptations of the world are muted, dimmed when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and

we follow his example and teachings.

Know the Scriptures

We need to know God’s word so we can discern and recognise what God is saying

to us. A good knowledge of Scripture allows us to recognise distortions of the truth.

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus was not swayed or

convinced, but he could reply with truth straight out of the Old Testament scriptures.

Knowing God’s word is a weapon against distraction, temptation, and the lies the

enemy tells about who we are and who God is.

Look out for Fruit

What do I mean by fruit? The Fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We can be self-

reflective, see where we are lacking and see ourselves grow in these things with

God’s help. Fruit is what grows in us, like our character, seen through our words,

actions, how we use our time and money, how we love, how we welcome and serve,

how we stand up for those who face injustice and how we provide for those in need.

Jesus warned against seeming “religious” and good on the outside but lacking in the

fruits of the Spirit in your life.

As we reflect on Easter we are also reminded of the depths of Jesus’ grace!

There is no guilt or shame in Jesus, only repentance and forgiveness. We all fall

short and make mistakes, and thankfully God is still in control even when we get it

wrong. You will find yourself on the wrong path at times, I certainly do, but we can

always change direction back towards Jesus, no matter how many times we’ve got it

wrong.

Everything we have learnt this lent is linked together, which I guess is obvious as

Jesus preached on it all in one sermon! All of the “Trys” we have looked at are part of

the bigger picture of us knowing God, living in obedience and showing Jesus to the

world around us.

Try praying. Try fasting. Try simplicity. Try trust and gratitude. Try generosity.

Seek Jesus. Know the scriptures. Look for the good fruit in your life.