Developing Discernment: The Pathway to Spiritual Maturity

The Pathway to Maturity: Developing Discernment through Obedience

Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to have a deeper understanding of God's Word while others struggle to grasp its teachings? The answer lies not in intellectual prowess, but in moral development. According to Hebrews 5:14, if we want to become mature and feast on the solid food of the Word, we must exercise our spiritual senses and develop a mind that can discern between good and evil. In other words, the pathway to maturity and understanding is not primarily an intellectual challenge, but a moral one.

So, how can we develop this moral maturity and discernment? The first step is to recognize that our actions and choices play a significant role in our ability to grasp the deep truths of Scripture. If we stumble over certain doctrines or struggle to understand certain passages, it may be because there are areas of our lives that are not aligned with God's Word. For example, if we find it difficult to comprehend the concept of God's sovereignty and election, it may be because we still engage in shady business practices. If we struggle to grasp the significance of Christ's work on the cross, it could be because we have an unhealthy love for money and material possessions.

In our modern society, we often believe that education and intellectual development are the keys to maturity. However, the truth is that there are many highly educated individuals who remain spiritually immature. On the other hand, there are less-educated believers who exhibit deep spiritual maturity and can feast on the deep truths of God's Word. This is because maturity is not primarily a matter of intelligence, but of obedience.

To develop our moral senses and discernment, we must examine our lives and make necessary changes. We must evaluate how we handle our finances, how we use our time and leisure, how we treat others, and how we engage with the world around us. Our choices and actions in these areas have a direct impact on our capacity to receive and understand the solid food of God's Word.

The process of developing discernment is not a one-time event but requires constant practice. Just as an athlete trains their body for a competition, we must train our spiritual senses through daily obedience and practice. It is through this constant practice that our powers of discernment are sharpened, enabling us to distinguish between good and evil.

But how do we know what is good and evil? The Bible provides us with the ultimate standard for discernment. It is through the study and meditation on God's Word that we gain wisdom and understanding. The psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). When our minds are saturated with the truths of Scripture, we are better equipped to discern what is pleasing to God and what is contrary to His will.

As we develop our moral senses, we must also rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Spirit would be our helper and would lead us into all truth (John 14:26; 16:13). The Spirit illuminates the Word of God, enabling us to understand its depths and apply its teachings to our lives. Therefore, we must cultivate a sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit and submit ourselves to His guidance.

In addition to personal obedience and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can also benefit from the wisdom and insights of mature believers. The body of Christ is designed to function as a community, with each member contributing their unique gifts and perspectives. By engaging in fellowship and seeking the counsel of godly individuals, we can gain valuable insights and perspectives that will aid in our maturity and discernment.

Ultimately, the goal of developing discernment is to become more like Christ. As we grow in our understanding of God's Word and apply its truths to our lives, we are transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation is not solely for our own benefit but also for the glory of God. When we reflect the character of Christ, we bring glory to His name and testify to the power of His Word.

In conclusion, the pathway to maturity and understanding is not primarily an intellectual challenge but a moral one. If we want to feast on the solid food of God's Word, we must develop our moral senses and discernment through daily obedience and practice. This requires evaluating our choices and actions, aligning them with God's Word, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can grow in our understanding of God's Word, become more like Christ, and bring glory to His name. So, let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of discernment and the development of moral maturity.