Why bother to be a discerning believer?

We talked yesterday about being a discerning believer.
It seems that there were some drawbacks to this gift of discernment, of wisdom.
But there are advantages, too!

If we are discerning believers, we will find it helps us to live holy and godly lives, as Peter told us we needed to do. The Bible tells us to be alert and aware:

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18)

 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (I Corinthians 16:13)

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

The Bible also tells us to be mindful of false doctrines and errors. Peter told us that false doctrines mask sinful desires, and that they lead to sin.

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! (Acts 20:29-31a)

Third, the Bible tells us to be careful we are not led astray.

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (II Timothy 4:4)

All of these have to do with discernment. We can see that there are huge reasons for us to work hard at it! 
The more mature we become in our knowledge of the truth, the more confidence we will have. People may not always agree with us, but they will respect our humble attitude and the discipline we have exercised in our studies and prayer.
Growing in our knowledge of the truth will also give us more confidence in our Father. We will strengthen our faith daily. We will be more able to resist temptation because we will not be as easily deceived. This won't be our own doing -- it will be because we are closer to God, and listening to His guidance.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:12-14)

Why bother to be a discerning believer? Why work at it?
Because we will reap these and other untold blessings and have abundant life!