CWW WEEK 29 - Spiritual Discernment - Day 1

Devotional: Walking in Spiritual Discernment

Scripture:
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgements about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgements.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:14–15 (NIV)

A Different Kind of Wisdom

We live in a world brimming with information—opinions, advice, philosophies, and endless streams of content. Yet for the follower of Christ, true understanding doesn’t come from the wisdom of the world but from the Spirit of God. Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind us that there is a deep difference between human reasoning and spiritual discernment.

When Paul says that the natural person—one without the Spirit—cannot accept the things of God, he is describing more than mere ignorance. He’s speaking of a fundamental inability to grasp spiritual truths without the help of the Holy Spirit. To someone who does not know Christ, the things of God often seem like foolishness. Forgiveness without repayment, loving your enemies, laying down your life to follow Jesus—these ideas cut against the grain of worldly logic.

But to those who belong to Christ and are filled with His Spirit, God reveals a new way of seeing. Spiritual discernment isn’t just about right and wrong decisions; it’s about perceiving what is true and eternal amid the noise of temporary concerns. It is the Spirit who enables us to understand the heart of God, to see through deception, and to live wisely in a complex world.

Learning to Listen

Spiritual discernment is not something we achieve on our own. It’s not a matter of intellectual skill or life experience—it is the result of a living relationship with the Holy Spirit. As we spend time in God’s Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers, we begin to recognise His voice more clearly. Over time, we learn to distinguish between the voice of God and the many other voices clamouring for our attention.

This discernment allows us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence. When faced with choices that seem morally grey or emotionally overwhelming, the Spirit can guide us into peace and clarity. But it also requires humility. We must be willing to admit that we don’t have all the answers, that our own understanding is limited, and that we are utterly dependent on the Spirit’s leading.

Judging Rightly

Verse 15 can seem puzzling at first: “The person with the Spirit makes judgements about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgements.” Paul is not suggesting that Spirit-filled believers are above correction or accountability. Rather, he’s pointing out that their discernment is rooted in a divine perspective. While others may criticise or misunderstand the choices made by a spiritually minded person, that person is guided by a wisdom that transcends human opinion.

Consider Jesus. He was constantly misunderstood, criticised, and even condemned by the religious leaders of His day. Yet every word He spoke and every action He took flowed from perfect communion with the Father. As His followers, we too are called to walk in that same Spirit-led discernment, even when it sets us apart from the culture around us.

Holding Fast to Truth

In an age of confusion and compromise, spiritual discernment is not optional—it is essential. We need it to raise our children, to build our marriages, to engage with culture, and to remain faithful to Christ. This discernment is God’s gift to every believer, but it must be cultivated through obedience, worship, and intimacy with Him.

Let us not be content with a surface-level faith. Let’s press in, seeking the mind of Christ through the Spirit who dwells within us. In doing so, we will become people who see with spiritual eyes, who stand firm in truth, and who walk with quiet strength and wisdom in a world that desperately needs the light of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you most need spiritual discernment right now?
2. How can you make space in your daily routine to hear more clearly from the Holy Spirit?
3. Are there “foolish” things of God that you’ve struggled to accept? How might you surrender those to His leading?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, Papa God,
Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and teach us. Help us to see through the clutter of the world and recognise Your truth. Give us hearts that are humble and teachable, and minds that are open to Your wisdom. May we grow in spiritual discernment, making choices that honour You and reflect Your character. When we are uncertain, remind us to seek You first. Lead us daily in Your truth, and help us to walk boldly in the light of Your Spirit.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood

Church Without Walls.