Exercising Discernment

Q

I am going to be very bold and say I am gifted with discernment. I know immediately, sometimes I feel I know upon seeing someone, if they are a false teacher. I can also sense spirits who hang on people, either good or bad.

This question concerns false teaching–I have a hard time “going” to church. I feel a problem with most of the messages being preached. And I feel it is a valid concern. I have young children and cannot have them being taught lies, fallacies, deception, whatever. I feel it is my responsibility to “train up a child in the way they should go.” As a result we, as a family, are isolated from the body of Christ.

Do you advise to attend a church anyway, despite the false teaching? Am I supposed to explain to my son that what he was just taught was false, but we go anyway? I am confused.

I trust your teaching and am interested in what you have to say. I know that gifts are meant to be shared, but how can one use discernment in this day and age ?

A

The gift of discernment is mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:10 where the Greek language literally means distinguishing between spirits. Many people don’t realize that false teaching is often not just an innocent misunderstanding. It can also be something introduced by the enemy to sow deception or confusion. In these times it’s more important than ever for believers to exercise their discernment. After all it was given to protect the body from false teaching.

In your own case, exercising your discernment may not change the place you’re in now, but you can use it to find a church where sound doctrine is taught and encourage others to attend there.