"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil.” (1 Kings 3:9 MSG)
Bomb sniffing dogs can detect even trace amounts of dangerous chemicals. They are taught to disregard distractions like food or other stimuli. It doesn’t matter if the explosive is hidden in a large, cardboard box or a pink purse--the dog is trained to find it.
Some people are better able to sense danger than others. They have a keen sense of intuition. They can detect even trace amounts of evil, no matter what shape or size it comes in. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all develop discerning minds?
The ability to distinguish between good and evil comes from paying attention to the subtle expressions of the Holy Spirit. This requires us to ignore many of our human inclinations and cravings. Those who think they already know it all and can manage everything on their own--rarely tune in to anything but their own ideas. Thus, surrendering our preconceived notions also becomes necessary. The more we surround ourselves with truth and goodness, the more we learn to recognize falsehood and stay away from it. As we become intimate with God, as we listen and obey, our minds align with God’s perspective. This leads to spiritual wisdom which is true discernment.
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