How to Cultivate Sharp Discernment

In part 2 of this series, I outlined 9 tips for recognizing whether a leader is a gifted wolf, or a true shepherd. Click here to read it. Today I want to share with you what you can do from your end to keep your discernment sharp.

1. Be a Lover of Truth

Knowledge of the Truth is the foundation of all discernment. It is so important that you love truth and pursue it through consistent and thorough study of the Word of God, and a vital relationship with the One who is Truth, Jesus Christ. Many people seek teachers who tell them what their itching ears want to hear, but this leaves them vulnerable to believing a lie, or a distortion of truth. In a day and age where AI and algorithms select information it knows we will like, it is getting harder and harder to discern when we are learning the truth, and when we are falling prey to confirmation bias. We can be convinced we are right, and be dead wrong. 

You must be a seeker of truth and understanding. This means taking intentional steps to overcome black-and-white thinking, remaining curious, asking good questions, and doing your due diligence. Situations are often more complex than they appear, and a powerful teaching may be based on a false and dangerous premise. 

Be like the Bereans. Acts 17:11  tells us they “were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Be eager, receive the word, and weigh everything against the scriptures. 

2. Don’t assume that you are the one who sees clearly.  You could be blind and you could have blind spots.  Be open to the possibility that you could be wrong, or off, or missing information.  The more confident you are that you can see, the more you are in danger of being deceived.  And the scary thing is that deceived people do not know that they are deceived.  

"Jesus said, 'For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.' Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, 'Are we also blind?' Jesus said to them, 'If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, "We see," your guilt remains'" (John 9:39-41).

2. Reflect God’s Compassion

God is compassionate, abounding in love, and slow to anger. In a world where rage can easily flare, strive to be slow to anger and quick to seek understanding. Take time to pray and ask for God’s perspective. Avoid jumping on the latest bandwagon. Ultimately, He is the God of justice, the true avenger, and the only one who knows the complete truth. No one sees better than God does. And offense, which often springs from an inability to see things from someone else’s perspective, makes seeing clearly impossible. Offense distorts our vision. Compassion and forgiveness open it. 

3. Guard Against Echo Chambers

Be vigilant against being caught in an echo chamber where you are surrounded by voices that only affirm your views. This can lead to self-deception and a dangerous level of groupthink. Remember, as Jesus said, “The blind leading the blind both fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14).  Avoid falling into this trap by being quick to listen and slow to speak.  Read opposing views.  Be familiar with your opponent’s argument.  Get in their shoes.  Don’t assume that your phone is educating you by the content it is presenting you.  It is aiming for clicks.  Algorithms don’t care.

4. Cultivate Curiosity

Choose to be curious rather than offended when someone presents a perspective that differs from your own. Explore their reasoning; often, people are motivated by a desire to pursue a higher good or protect something valuable. Seeking to understand others' viewpoints can lead to deeper insights.

5. Abstain from an “us versus” them mentality

An "us versus them" mentality is a hallmark of narcissism. It represents a form of splitting that reduces the complexities and nuances of situations into stark black-and-white categories. This simplistic, childlike way of processing the world fails to acknowledge the gray areas that are often critical to understanding.

Narcissistic thinking is a tactic of the enemy, designed to trap individuals in a binary mindset. It’s essential to eliminate this black-and-white thinking and resist the urge to categorize people and situations in divisive terms.

Remember, every human being is created in the image of God. We are currently in a spiritual battleground, and the enemy seeks to take people captive to do his will by enticing them with this flawed, self-centered way of thinking. 

In your pursuit of discernment, remember that it begins with a genuine love for truth and an unwavering commitment to understanding God's heart. Engage with Scripture regularly, and allow it to shape your perceptions and decisions. Be willing to confront your own biases and blind spots, recognizing that true clarity often comes from humility and openness. By embodying these principles, you not only protect yourself from deception but also become a beacon of light and truth for others, guiding them toward Jesus, the One who is Truth.

Related Resources

• Gifted Wolf or True Shepherd?  Who are You Following? [Read]
• How to Discern a False Shepherd from a Real One. [Read]
• Why Narcissists Love Religion: 10 Ways they Use It to Serve their Own Purpose. [Watch]
• Can You Be A Narcissist and Follow God? What Does the Bible Teach? [Watch]
• Malignant Narcissists in Ministry: How to Spot Their Covert Tactics [Watch] [Read]
• Can God Speak Through a Narcissist? How to Tell and How to Safeguard Yourself Against Deception [Read] [Watch]
• 10 Subtle Signs of Spiritual Abuse: How to Spot a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. [Read] [Watch]
• 7 Steps to Leave a Toxic Church Unscathed [Read] [Watch] 

Downloadable Resources 

• Checklist: Signs of Spiritual Abuse or Cultish Environments
• Checklist: 20 Signs that You Might Be Experiencing Narcissistic Abuse
• Guide: How to Pray for a Narcissist
• Prayer: Healing from Gaslighting
• E-book: 7 Steps to Spot a Narcissist