Discernment - December 1

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 

God looks with discernment at people's hearts. To have discernment is to be able to see people and situations the way they really are without being judgmental, yet being cautious with the right timing and actions. 

God spoke to Samuel, a prophet, about anointing one of  Jesse's sons to be the next king after Saul. In this passage of 1 Samuel 16 God is telling Samuel not to look at these young men's physical appearance--but to look at their heart. He's saying to be discerning about who these young men really are inside. There was only one young man that God had in mind--it was David. God didn't give Samuel David's name--Samuel had to use discernment to find one of Jesse's sons who was the chosen one. 

Jesus was discerning in choosing His disciples and His friends--like Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Likewise we must use discernment in choices we make--whether it is places we go, what we do, or those with whom we associate. So ask The Lord to bless you with discernment that you would make good choices and thus live to please God.  

Training Tip - As usual, you set the example. Honesty and truth are the key elements of discernment.

Make a game of CHOICES.  Write out situations on paper. Discuss the answers.

   ... If someone tells a lie to their Mom & Dad about where they were playing will you go play with them tomorrow?  (Example - they were playing in the woods and said they were at Sam's house.)

  ... You saw Johnny take some candy from the teacher's desk. What do you do?  a) laugh at Johnny  b) tell other kids in the class.   c) tell the teacher that you saw someone take the candy. d) Tell Johnny you saw him take the candy and advise him to give it back to the teacher.

  ... Someone in your class had the answers to a test and offered them to you?

 a) You refuse to take the answers--you studied and you'll do OK.   b) You take the answers.  c) You tell the other student it is wrong to have the answers and give them to others.

  ... Someone wants to sell you something--that is a good deal--too good to pass up--but it is cool even if you don't need it.

  a) You buy the stuff since it is a bargain.  b) You refuse--you know you don't need that stuff and can't afford it.    c) You hound your parents to get to buy it for you so you can look cool with your friends.

...Develop some situations from your daily family life experiences and discuss it with your family.

Prayer - Lord, help me, my children, and grandchildren to have discernment in our daily life experience. 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.