Discernment is the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong. Discernment is the process of making careful distinctions and correct judgements in our thinking about truth. Biblical discernment is the ability to have an overview of Scripture to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15), not taking Scripture out of context to support a personal belief.

First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning:

"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil."

John gives us a  warning when he says:

"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).

According to the Scripture, discernment is not optional for the believer - it is required.

Not having the ability to distinguish between truth and error is leaving believers open to all manner of false doctrines and acceptance of false teachers. False teaching then leads to an unbiblical mindset, which results in unfruitful and disobedient living - a recipe for compromise.

Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God's Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day.

Discernment intersects the Christian life at every point. And God's Word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue of life. According to Peter, God

"has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3).

It is important that Christians study the Word and learn discernment from the source that God has provided for us - His Word! Without this personal study, Christians are falling prey to the false teachers and:

"tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).