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If we are timid, let us not be faint-hearted. Let us rely on the strength that the Lord
Jesus Christ will give us, for our sufficiency is in Him. We may feel inadequate as we try
to run the race and fight the good fight of faith. But may we remember that He has begun
the good work in our hearts, and we rely on His grace. That good work which He
initiated will be completed by Him. So then let us be of good courage, let us have
confidence, not in ourselves, but in Him.
"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might" (Eph. 6: 10).
No.9.
Discrimination or Discernment.
pp. 51 - 53
"That ye may approve things that are excellent" (Phil. 1: 10).
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said to him "Ask what I shall give
thee". His answer is given in I Kings 3: 6-9. Verse 9 reads:
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may
discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?".
God approved of this reply and gave Solomon a wise and understanding heart.
Although we do not have to shoulder responsibility as great as Solomon, each one of
us needs an understanding heart, so that we can discern between good and bad. If our
lives are to be in line with God's will, we need guidance and wisdom. And if we are to
know the deeper things of God, and His will and purpose for us, to know the hope of His
calling, we need the leading of the Holy Spirit and the spirit of wisdom.
In order to make the right choice between good and bad, and to understand deeper
things that God will reveal to us, we must learn how to test or try all things.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thess. 5: 21).
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God"
(Rom. 12: 2).
Not only do we need to test or prove all things, we also need to test ourselves:
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (II Cor. 13: 5).
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think
himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man
prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in
another" (Gal. 6: 2-4).
In Ephesians we read about the worthy walk: