The Discerning Christian
The ability to reason is a distinctly human characteristic. The process of reasoning involves using rational, logical thought, to establish justifications and arguments for producing behaviors, beliefs and or actions that govern our lives. The capacity for a moral component is also a critical part of the human experience of reasoning.
One charge often levied at Christians is that they have a “blind faith”, the implication being that their faith is not based on sound reason and logic, but is rather more of an emotional expression of some not clearly defined feeling. Religious belief then is understood to not necessarily be a rational process. It is understandable how someone could mistakenly come to this conclusion, especially if they encounter a professing Christian who cannot clearly articulate why they hold to the beliefs that they do.
Blind, unquestioning faith has never been what the Bible has espoused. Biblical faith is based on the careful examination (reasoning process) of the character and truth of the object. While no one can fully know or understand everything, God has certainly given us enough information to make rational choices and thereby exercise faith. We all exercise a certain degree of faith in our everyday living.
True faith is built and strengthened based on the actual evidence and reliability of the object that faith is being placed in. Christians often seem hesitant to do the work necessary to determine what is true and authentic. Emotions often become the driving force for how life is lived. Conversely, they are often criticized when they do seek evidence, as if doing so will prove to be a hypocritical judgment, a lack of faith, or just unloving.
** 4 Required Actions of the Discerning Christian **
1. Test – evaluate and estimate the value and/or character – 1 John 4: 1
A test is used to measure something (or someone) against a particular standard. A standard is regarded as the authority for determining what is acceptable. Anything that does not conform to the standard should be rejected as unacceptable. Christians are to use the principles from the Bible as their standard to evaluate everything that they do. These standards must also be used when evaluating what we are told or any behavior we are asked to perform by others.
2. Prove – establish the truth and genuineness –Romans 12:2
When we take a look at the U.S. judicial system, we can observe that one of the cornerstone principles we follow is that truth must be established by actual evidence as testimony. Many people fail to recognize that Christianity itself is an “evidence-based” religion. Our faith is founded upon actual evidence and eyewitness testimony, not simply some nebulous concept. We must learn to look at the actual evidence we are given, not to just “hope” something will be the way we want.
3. Scrutinize – continuous examination – 1 Thessalonians 5:21
One of the goals of a business with inventory is to maintain a system to monitor inventory so that accurate information can be accumulated allowing management to make prudent business decisions. Inventory systems are designed to verify truth and accuracy. What is stated as being “on hand” must be confirmed via actual evidence.
There are two basic inventory counting systems, even though there may be a variety of methods and variations in how they are actually put into practice. When implementing a periodic inventory system, a physical count of each item in inventory is made at pre-determined intervals, such as weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. A perpetual inventory system keeps track of inventory on a continuous basis.
The principles outlined in the analogy of inventory control systems can also apply to the Christian life and more specifically to the area of effective decision making. To grow in the area of developing good discernment, we must develop systems that help us examine the “inventory” of our lives. Paul admonishes the church in Corinth to “examine yourselves” [2 Corinthians 13:5]. Some areas of our life we examine periodically (work, school, relationships, etc.) and some areas we must continually evaluate (spiritual growth, what we teach or what we are taught, etc.). The objective is always to show the light of Jesus in our lives by how we live.
4. Decide – come to a judgment or conclusion and take action
Applying the three preceding principles without adding this fourth action would be absurd. You must come to a decision about whatever issue is before you and then you must take action. Your choice of actions must be based on the principles outlined in the Bible, which is our authority in all matters. Biblical faith requires some kind of action on the part of the one who believes, as a natural outcome that verifies that faith is present. The Greek word for examine (test, discern, try) δοκιμάζω, δοκιμασία [dokimazo /dok·im·ad·zo/], which is used in all of the above verses, in application almost always implies proof as well as approval. Examination, evidence and action are mainstays of the Christian life.
