Discern: (verb) To perceive or recognize the difference or distinction between (two or more things); also “distinguish (an object) with the eyes, see distinctly, behold;” also “perceive rationally, understand;” late 14c., from Old French discerner (13c.) “distinguish (between), separate” (by sifting), and directly from Latin discernere “to separate, set apart, divide, distribute; distinguish, perceive,” from dis- “off, away” (see dis-) + cernere “distinguish, separate, sift” (from PIE root *krei- “to sieve,” thus “discriminate, distinguish”).

Illustration: About 10 years ago, I had to get prescription glasses. I have been a voracious reader since my late teenage years, and I had finally crossed that middle-aged threshold when the looming optometry appointment comes and you hear the now familiar questions, “Better or worse? Better or worse?” Through one lens, the picture is blurry. Through the other lens, ah! You can see.

I remember the first set of glasses I got; the optometrist said, “You’ve read your eyes out. Welcome to glasses.” But it has been worth it. With the correct lenses, it’s such a blessing. I can see from Tampa to Toledo without glasses, but when it comes to close distances, to see what is right in front of me, I need the spectacles.

Connection: Since this is true in the physical world, how much more important is it for us in the spiritual world? We need to be able to see what is there. To change to a shooting analogy, we need an accurate sight picture.

One of my favorite Christian ministries is Ligonier Ministries. They took the name of their teaching broadcast from Romans 12:2. “Renewing Your Mind” is the broadcast. Here are God’s words to his people via the pen of the apostle Paul:

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2 ESV).

Renewing your mind? Yes. Why? In order to discern.

It’s a command directly from God for his people.

Questions: How are we faring? Does the evidence reveal we are renewing our minds? Are we being a discerning people? To ask the question is to answer it. Where is the prophetic vision, a la Proverbs 29:18? The Lord has called his people to feast upon the deep things of God and his revealed Word, and instead, the masses have chosen to eat cereal and watch cartoons.

A Prayer: ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears’, Samuel said. Give your people a heart of wisdom, discernment, and courage. James tells us to ask for wisdom and you, Lord, will grant it. But we know that we must long for it, so will you grant that hunger? Hear the prayer, Lord, for Christ’s great name. Amen.