“Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right.” –Charles Spurgeon

With the significant events unfolding in Washington, D.C. and the serious spiritual warfare taking place, every Christian needs to be engaged in strategic prayer for our governmental leaders as God directs in 1 Tim. 2:1-4. “First of all” in the Greek means “first of all.” How we need sharp spiritual discernment in these days!

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This is not a lighthearted article so Uncle Jack can discern where to invest money or Mom discover which youth group is a good fit for little Brittney. The principles will apply but we need to go deeper in this defining moment of history.

Before he died, David Wilkerson gave us a warning. “The majority of churchgoers today soundly reject all prophetic warnings of the coming storm. Indeed, the American church today is the most blatant feel-good church in all of history. But like Israel, we’re only experiencing the calm before the storm!”

“Take heed that no one deceives you… will deceive many… deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:4, 5, 24). In Revelation 12 Jesus further warns us of “the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world” (v.9).

Scripture clearly teaches that prior to the Lord’s Return there will be “the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders with all deception…” (2 Thes 2:9-10). Certainly we must be discerning so as not to be caught off guard.

5 Steps to  Spiritual Discernment

While there is a spiritual gift we can request called “discerning of spirits” (1 Cor.12:10) to differentiate between the Holy Spirit, angelic, demonic and human spirits, spiritual discernment is a tool not a toy that develops as we mature. It’s not imparted by a supernatural act and there are no shortcuts. It’s a skill perfected through practice.

“But solid food belongs to those who are mature, for those who through practice have powers of discernment that are trained to distinguish good from evil” (Heb.5:14).

1. Commune Consistently With God

When we delight ourselves in God, we derive desires from God (Ps 37:4). “He does not exist to answer our prayers but by our prayers we come to discern the mind of God.”  – Oswald Chambers

2. Know God’s Ways from God’s Word

God calls us to yield totally to Him and renew (not remove!) our mind on His Word to discern the perfect will of God for every area of our lives (Rom 12:1-2). God’s Word is God’s will!

“You have been good to Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word. Teach me good discernment and knowledge” (Ps 119:65-66).

3. Live a Holy Life in the Fear of God

Jesus said we’ll either have light or darkness in our life based on our focus. He calls us to live lives of happy holiness in a healthy fear of God (Mt 6:22-3). “He shall delight in the fear of the Lord, and he shall not judge by what his eyes see…” (Is 11:3).

“To discern spirits we must dwell with Him Who is holy and He will give revelation and unveil the mask of Satanic powers on all lines.”– Smith Wigglesworth

“A tender conscience is an inestimable blessing that is not only quick to discern what is evil but instantly to shun it as the eyelid closes itself against the speck.” – Author unknown

4. Live in Love

We can never have clear spiritual discernment if our heart is clouded by unforgiveness, resentment, jealousy or hatred. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment, that you may approve things that are excellent…” (Phil 1:9-10).

5. Invest in Others  To grow strong in discernment we must heed the call of God to invest in and intercede for those distracted, deceived – the unsuspecting. “I sought for a man…” (Ezek 22:30). Our powers of discernment will be strengthened and multiplied as we take up our mantles and assignments. Jesus promised, “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance” (Mt 25:29).

Call for Discernment and Decisive Action

Jesus strongly rebuked those in His day who were not using discernment to recognize what was happening on their watch. “But why do you not know how to discern this time?” (Lk 12:56).

It has been said that there are three groups of people in the world: the few who make things happen; the many who watch things happen; the majority who don’t know what’s happening! Again, not you and I; there’s too much at stake.

With what we’re witnessing on our watch, it’s unmistakable that a seismic shift is taking place in our nation.

Here’s the deal: It’s time for pastors to exercise discernment as shepherds of flocks and patriotic Americans to pray and be “salt” to preserve our godly heritage and protect faith, freedom, family and our future. Together let’s restore our foundations and re-center America not in ever-increasing government but in God whom we trust and give all the glory to.

Larry Tomczak is a cultural commentator of 46 yrs, Intercessors for America board member, best-selling author and a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. His innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com). Hear his weekly podcast here.