Discernment - we all need it, it is much sought-after, but not many seem to want to go through the steps to get it. Much of the time this is because discernment is misunderstood. In this his first book, Tim Challies grapples with this problem head-on, and simplifies the process for those looking for a clear definition of what biblical discernment truly is.
Beginning with the clear scriptural mandate to be discerning, Challies encourages Christians to focus on what discernment is, what it means to committed Christians, and the consequences of not acquiring a mature ability to discern between right and wrong. In a world where truth is downplayed and ambiguity is embraced, discernment is indispensable to an active and engaged Christian faith.
Challies pulls no punches in outlining this defining characteristic of all mature Christians, giving its biblical basis and reasons for developing it. But he goes further to warn against the abuse or misuse of discernment - speaking the truth without love, elevating disputable doctrine to the level of critical doctrine, assigning guilt (or honor) by association, etc. - as well as giving a practical way to implement discernment. Concise, comprehensive and challenging, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment will serve as a standard text on this subject for many Christians.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
4 of 4 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David R. Bess (Charleston, West Virginia), May 24, 2009
In this day-and-age of spiritual fads and Christian theology "lite," this title by Challies is a great help to believers. He looks at several aspects of Christian, Biblical discernment, and how critical it is for the church. He begins by giving a call to discernment, explaining that it is not just about defining God's will but defending God's truth. He also makes a clear distinction between judging and discerning. Discerning focuses upon testing such things as teaching, prophecy, spirits, leaders, other believers, the times in which we live, and ourselves.
This book is a very good investment, and is recommended highly. Not only is the content of the book helpful, but the resource listing at the back offers other good titles along the same lines. Challies also mentions his website, www.discerningreader.com, which provides even more of the rare, spiritual insight found in this title.
Not only will you enjoy reading this book, but it will make you long for more Christian, Biblical discernment.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Rev. Doyle Peyton (Bellville, Ohio), May 03, 2009
The church has lost its ability to discern. This book is a good entry level book on this important subject. A much needed book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Joanie Jenkins (Virginia), April 22, 2009
Tim gives an amazing Biblical look at discernment and is very readable. I loved it and agree with another reviewer that EVERY Christian should read this book!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kitty-Foth Regner (Waukesha, Wisconsin), July 25, 2008
Tim Challies’ amazingly thorough exploration of biblical discernment should be high on the reading list of every Christian who is concerned about what is true, and what is not … who wants above all to know God’s truth in order to know His will … and who wants His will to replace his own. “We will find joy and peace not in following our own path,” the author points out, “but in allowing our minds to be so changed that our desires are the same as God’s.” I believe this book can make a significant contribution to that process.
I triple-starred many sections, but perhaps my favorite is the chapter entitled “The Practice of Discernment.” Here, Tim describes in compelling detail 17 steps for distinguishing between truth and error. He walks us through the process using an interesting example – the seemingly benign premise that we need to forgive ourselves, endorsed in a contemporary Christian song called (surprise) “Forgive Yourself” as well as by every fan and proponent of the self-esteem movement. I’ve already had the opportunity to apply his suggestions to a theological issue I’ve been wrestling with for months. Guess what: They work! They actually broke the pattern of circular thinking I’d fallen into over this particular issue, leading me to biblical truths that have restored my peace.
The first line of a favorite hymn kept dancing through my head as I read: “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.” I’d always thought the writer meant that he wanted the Lord to be all that he sees, and that may indeed be the case. But this book has given me a new spin on these words. As Tim writes, “Our goal in discernment is to do just this: to see things through God’s eyes through the Bible and thus to see things as they really are.” I’m already finding that a little easier to do.
Kitty Foth-Regner
Author of Heaven Without Her,
co-author of Hip Ideas for Hyper Dogs
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