The Gift and Protection of Radical Decernment
For this week’s blog, I want to start with the verse from the First Epistle of John 4:1:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
This verse tells us to test every spirit, and not to believe everything you see, so quickly. It is especially vital to test those in positions of influence and leadership. You want to prove that their teachings are built on the foundations of God’s character and that it is not a spirit of deception.
The gift of discernment of spirits is a great spiritual compass, and it is what I pray with much gratitude to have. It is my greatest gift from God. This gift is less about being judgmental and more about a divine tool for discerning the true spirit at work behind a leader, teacher, or institution.
It wasn’t enough for me to merely read God’s Word and protest that I believe in him and all things good. My understanding deepened once I started studying how Satan operates. Just like temptation comes with beauty and smooth talk, a deceptive spirit can present peace and a feeling of fulfillment, only for it to be fleeting and short-lived because its foundations are not strong.
My personal definition of “radical discernment” is simply being unapologetic and fiercely straightforward in testing a spirit. A few ways to “test” a spirit are to first and foremost ask yourself the question, “Does this teaching align with the characteristics of God?”
God’s Characteristics
Love
as described in First Epistle of John 4:8:
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
We know that God’s actions and purpose are always rooted in love for his creation.
Justice and Righteousness
as described in Psalms 89:14:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”
In the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon also tells us:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8–9)
We can also look at the Indian spiritual text, the Bhagavad Gita. It tells the story of a young king, Arjuna, who is about to go to battle against his cousin, also a king. In the middle of the battlefield, he experiences hesitation and reluctance. Krishna, the manifestation of God on earth and friend to humanity, tells Arjuna that he has chosen this role and must fulfill his dharma, his purpose and duty to humanity. He says, “Not doing the right thing when it is needed is just as bad as doing the wrong thing.” This teaches us to protect the truth that God’s foundation is rooted in justice and righteousness.
Truth
as described in Deuteronomy 32:4:
“He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is He.”
Holiness
as described in Leviticus 11:44:
“For I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.”
When testing a spirit and its teachings, we must ask: Does it align with these characteristics? If it does not, it is not a reflection of God. Some may ask, why must everything be about God? My answer is: if it is not of God, what is its origin? That which is not of Him is deceitful and not rooted in truth.
Another way to test a spirit is to observe the person’s character. I heard a great quote on the podcast We Need to Talk by EJ Newton: “Character is the fruit of the spirit.” I interpret this to mean that a person’s character reflects the state of their heart and spirit. If the heart is flawed, what flows from it is also flawed and tainted.
In the Gospel of Matthew 7:16, Jesus says:
“You will recognize them by their fruits.”
We will know the nature of a person by the fruits they bear in their lives: their influence on others, humility, selfless service, and moral values. I see it as observing someone who preaches peace and humility, yet whose life reflects chaos, poor stewardship, complaining, or harmful habits.
Your life should reflect your teachings. To lead by good example, it is best to separate from those whose fruits do not inspire you or reflect God’s kingdom. Motivational speaker John Ron says, “Your values should be protected,” and that is a way to a successful and fruitful life.
Radical discernment should not just be limited to teachers but should extend to personal relationships, romantic and friendships. Everything and everyone who pours into your life should be properly tested and proven.
Life is like fragile, delicate, and beautiful fine china. We should be intentional with who comes around this precious life of ours; carelessness and ill intentions can quickly shatter it.
Additional Resources:
EJ NEWTON EXPOSES FALSE PROPHETS Pt.1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Km0KVvaCI
JOHN ROHN - THE MAJOR KEY TO YOU BETTER FUTURE IS YOU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF75cLE-6hI
Reflection for the Reader
Think of your life and reflect on the people and teachings that are pouring into you, how could you practice radical decernment to test and prove it’s truth?
Have you had an experience where you practiced radical decernment and it protected you? Write down your story and carefully reflect the lessons you learned.
Have you experienced a time where you ignored your decernment and regretted it later? explain the lessons you learned and what you would do differently next time.
Name three key points you took away from this blog “The Gift and Protection of Radical Decernment.”
Are you actively “practicing what you preach” and “leading by example?” What does that look like?
