Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.
This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)
Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!
Today's word: discernment
How would you define the word discernment?
Do you think there's a difference between discernment and wisdom?
Let me know what you think!!
"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Good word! My thought...Discernment is a revelation from the Holy Spirit. It's something you 'know' deep inside you but you can explain how you know, you just do. Wisdom is from life experience.
ReplyDeleteDiscerement is knowing right and wrong! sandie
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteI agree with Parsley - good word.
I learned about discernment in some hard ways.
A lot came from being "burned" by others. Now I am wary and seek GOD IN EARNEST for discernment and confirmations. There is not much that I do without making sure that the Lord is in it...with me.
In days gone by, people, as a whole, were more about credibility and integrity....
Most of my discernment exercises involve me seeking our Lord for help with people engagements. The real truth for me is that, for the most part, people are "guilty" until proven innocent - and that includes those who profess Christ. That may sound like a cold reality but for me, it works.
Many "Christians" profess Christ but their fruits don't line up with Christ likeness - especially in the area of love. It is NOT my intent to judge... I have my own baggage and shortcomings but it is vital that we steadfastly strive to have minds of Christ, and to conduct ourselves accordingly.... May GOD help us all.
I love and forgive but am wary in the trust arena - based on experiences...
Discernment and wisdom difference? Not sure on that except to say that it is sensible to seek the Lord for the wisdom to discern - with hearts of love. Also, Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
Discernment...to be able to distinguish the truth even when it isn't physically apparent. I feel we need discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteWisdom...differing from discernment...I feel wisdom is something we learn from experience and also from God...we ask and He gives us wisdom.
I don't know that I see them as the same at all. I discern what is happening but wisdom gives me the direction on how to proceed.
I don't have a way to answer back but to come here...first, yes, sometimes I want to say, "I HAVE A Name"...funny I rarely hear it and when I do it take me off guard...isn't that funny! Thanks for the comment...oh, so I won't have an excuses any longer...LOL
ReplyDeleteI texted a friend tonight your words from your post after this...Interruptions or God's Intervention...one of her children will be at court next week and we both agreed it was God's Intervention...thanks for that word that I was able to pass on and encourage some one else!
I missed the boat, and I cheated when I got here. I read all the other thoughts. That's why I like to get here first instead of last.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, I can't play.
I can say that I agree with the consensus that one can come from experience and the other from the Holy Spirit. I think a person can be "wise" about things but lack discernment about people and spiritual matters.
I think I'm discerning.
Maybe too much at times.
I admit to lacking wisdom in areas, though.
Oops. Guess I played after all.
Parsley - I think you've hit on a key aspect of discernment - the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. And I totally get that inner "gut" feeling - the still, small voice...
ReplyDeleteSandie - Yes, distinguishing between right and wrong requires discernment. And one can only have the correct view of right and wrong by using the wisdom of God's truth.
Sandra - Really appreciate your honest words. Yes, I admit that I'm sort of a suspicious person by nature, too. However, a healthy dose of careful, thoughtful evaluation is important when discerning the truth about things or people.
Janette - (SEE - I used your NAME!!) I really like what you said, especially how you contrasted discernment and wisdom. Good thoughts! And I'm so very blessed that what I wrote the other day served to encourage your friend. That's what it's all about, isn't it?!
Debbie - It's OK. Even latecomers are allowed to comment!! There was a consensus that discernment comes from the Holy Spirit. I hadn't really thought about wisdom coming from experience - but it was mentioned before. Interesting...
Thanks for your wise thoughts, friends!
One thought I had - Discernment is knowing what's the right thing to do or say - Wisdom is knowing when to do or say it!
GOD BLESS!
Blessings Sharon... This flame is way out of my league (and I'm even later than Debbie and I even read all the previous comments which is not the way I ever comment). I rush to say what's on my mind and then check 'em out! Not this time.
ReplyDeleteI seek Godly wisdom and I depend on the discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit because most of my life I have lacked both and made unwise choices and showed no discernment.
My life experiences really have not made me wise but they have helped to to realize that I need Godly wisdom and discernment which comes from His Word and seeking Him first!
I do not have the ability to grasp and comprehend the obscure, but with God's Word and Light as Truth, I am better able to discern now vs. my former years. Knowing that I need God's wisdom and discernment has taught me to be more cautious. Life has caused me to trust less and hopefully be less impulsive, which shows no wisdom or discernment! I see them as synonymous!
That's to your great wisdom, I now know that my problem with discernment was not knowing there was a right thing to say or do but wise enough to know not to shout it out when in doubt!
You have such wisdom and discerning thoughts! You fan the flame in the smallest of us to ignite His light to our thoughts! Thank you!
Keep us ablazed with the flame fanned!
Peace, love and JOY,
Peggy
Peggy - Oh, thank you! You have added wonderful thoughts to our discussion! It's funny, isn't it, how the older we get we actually DO learn from our mistakes! God's Word is the brightest Light, and I truly believe it will lead us down the right pathways. Praying with you to grow in His wisdom, and to follow where (and when!!) He leads.
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!