Stephen Crosby comments

Here are some practical suggestions for the exercise of discernment:

• We do not judge according to appearance and with natural faculties. Jesus only judged by what he heard from His Father (Isa. 11:1, John 7:24, John 5:30).
  
• Identification. Jesus was granted authority to judge (forensic and otherwise) because of His identification with humanity as the Son of Man (John 5:27). Identification with one another in brotherhood and weakness will temper quick judgments and make us slow to speak and quick to listen. No one is constitutionally superior to another. We are what we are by the grace of God (1Cor. 10:12, Gal. 6:1).
  
• Discernment is a function of the New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17, 1 Cor. 12). Reactionary judgments from either extreme of the human religious spectrum-legalism or license-are not part of the new creation order.
  
• Grace and truth - aim for them (John 1:14-17).
  
• Get diverse input. The Father was with Jesus in judgment, thus validating His judgments: two witnesses (John 5:30, John 8:16).
  
• Sow in mercy, reap the same (Matt. 5:7).
  
• Motive. Discernment is intended to protect the harmony and well being of the community, not score an individual point (1 Cor. 12:7, 12-27).
  
• Try to develop the three broad relational categories in your life and rely on them for evaluations about you, and discernment through you.

  Ultimately, the Cross appropriated and applied in the power of His resurrection life, is the answer for any need associated with practical Christian living. The practice of discernment in a media age is no exception.

  Copyright Stephen Crosby - Please do not copy or distribute without permission. Go to www.stevecrosby.com 

  The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.