How to become a discerning believer

We've seen this week that our lives as believers are those of building, always building. Laying more on the foundations and moving upward. Last time, we spoke about the advantages of growing in discernment, and I thought a brief post on the "how to" angle would be beneficial....

How do we grow into discerning believers?
First of all, we need to establish (and then keep at it!) a routine for reading, studying, and meditating on scripture. Not a hurry-up-and-get-it-done-because-I-have-so-much-to-do-today kind of reading, but a really meditative type of study. What do we mean by meditate?

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,Nor stand in the path of sinners,Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord,And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)

Ironically, the word "meditation" in Hebrew basically means to speak or to mutter. If it's done in our heart, it's called musing or meditation. So we are talking about speaking the Word of God to ourselves day and night. We're talking about memorization, so that God can use His word to guide us each and every day.
How in the world can I do that, you ask? I'm TOO busy!!!
I generally eschew the constant use of cell phones - I get so tired of seeing people who don't raise their heads to interact with other people, or even to look before they cross the street..... however, there are some apps that can really be helpful with this. After all, we take 'em with us everywhere, right? (Grin)  One that I like, myself, is called "Fighter Verse," and offers several translations for your preference, as well as helpful memory devices so that memorization will be easier. There's even a kids' section that is useful for us old folks who are just getting started.

Next, we should make prayer more than just a once-a-day habit. Make it a continuous conversation! If we depend upon the Lord in all things, our hearts will remain ready to accept His commands and His guidance.

Seek the Lord and His strength;Seek His face continually. (I Chronicles 16:11)

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18)

Find good books to read and study. Look for books that will build up our understanding of the truth. We can even develop a reading plan, and keep a log of the books and some of the significant concepts in them.  I can recommend a couple -- Everyone's a Theologian by R. C. Sproul is a good one, since many of us equate theology with "dry," but it's not a dry book!  Another is Five Minute Apologetics for Today by Ron Rhodes; this one will equip us to speak persuasively but humbly about our faith.

Next, learn how to witness for Jesus and then make it a part of our everyday lives to talk to others about our Lord. How many of us have walked away from an opportunity and regretted that we didn't bring up the subject? That the conversation "never got around to it." Think up some ice-breaker things to say, that will allow us to follow up with our testimony of our faith. Make sure that we know the verses to help a person understand the love of God, the gift of Christ, and the beginning of a new life in Him. Pray that God will show us chances to share with others.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,    and the one who is wise saves lives. Proverbs 11:30)

All of these will help us to be discerning, growing, maturing Christians.
As grandma used to say, "pretty is as pretty does." Meaning, of course, that we can't just talk about doing these things..... we must actually do them!
I'm thinking that next week we will do a deeper dive on this subject.
Hope you will join us!!