Discernment comes from living each day in the Truth. When we surround ourselves with the glory of God’s Word, lies appear as empty and lifeless as they really are. If we know what the Bible teaches, we can recognize when a particular teaching doesn’t line up.
But recognizing and silencing false teachers is only a defensive move in the fight for godliness. How can we know we are gaining ground in our pursuit of holiness? There is a simple way: Examine your repentance. How long does it take before you are convicted about a sin you have committed?
When we’re young in the faith, we may not recognize our sinful choices at first. It may take days before we come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and we’re driven to our knees in repentance. But a godly person recognizes sin and confesses it to God right away. On the journey toward godliness, sin does not belong. The further down the path we travel, the more we are able to recognize our own need for repentance.
Examine your heart. Dive deep into God’s Word. Pray for Him to reveal any unknown sin in your life. Ask Him to show you if any of the preachers and teachers you enjoy are actually leading you further away from Him.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me to see the sins in my life that are hindering Your work in me. May I submit to Your will and seek only Your Truth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“O Timothy, guard that which is committed to your trust. Avoid profane babblings and opposing views from so-called knowledge. By professing it, some have erred concerning the faith” (1 Tim. 6:20-21). {eoa}
Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the founder and president of Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground ministry teams. Youssef was born in Egypt.
This article originally appeared at ltw.org.
Bill Wiese 
Chris Garcia 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
