Discernment

Sometimes, we assume that because someone has been in ministry for many years and holds a position of spiritual leadership, they automatically possess greater spiritual understanding and can never be wrong.

However, 1 Kings 13 teaches that spiritual maturity is not determined merely by age, title, or years of service, as every believer must learn to discern the voice of God personally.

In 1 Kings 13, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar there. He declared that a child named Josiah would be born to the house of David, who would destroy the false altars and the idolatrous priests who served them.

God had given the man of God a clear and specific instruction:

“You shall eat no bread, nor drink water, nor return by the way which you came.”

1 Kings 13:9b (KJV)

When Jeroboam invited him home with a reward, the man of God refused even half his possessions, saying he’d been commanded not to eat, drink, or return the same way. So he took a different road home, remaining faithful to God’s command.

Then, an old prophet living in Bethel heard what had happened. He pursued the man of God and found him sitting under an oak tree. The old prophet lied to him, claiming:

I too am a prophet, as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, “Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.”

1 Kings 13:18 (KJV)

The man of God was deceived. He didn’t test whether or not the claim was true. He assumed that because this man was a prophet, an old, seemingly experienced one, he must be trustworthy. So he went back with him, ate, and drank in his house.

Then, shockingly, while they were at the table, the word of the Lord came upon the old prophet, the very one who had deceived him, pronouncing judgment on the man of God for disobeying God’s command.

The man of God thought he was showing humility towards an elder, respecting someone perceived as spiritually senior. But humility wasn’t enough, as he failed to discern rightly, which cost him his life.

Humility is important, and we should honour spiritual leaders, but it must never replace discernment. Respect for men of God must never outweigh obedience to the voice of God.

Not everyone who appears spiritually mature, operates in signs and wonders, or has walked with God for years speaks rightly in every moment. Being older or more experienced in ministry doesn’t exempt anyone from testing what they say against what God has already spoken.

We are called to be discerning and to test even respected voices, because obedience to what God has already told us doesn’t get overridden by someone else’s.

Dear friends, 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 (KJV)

Perhaps if the man of God had not paused to rest under the oak tree, the old prophet would never have found the chance to deceive him. While rest is necessary in its proper season, there are moments in our divine assignment when unnecessary pauses can expose us to distraction and deception.

So, on your assignment and in this Christian journey, don’t allow unnecessary detours; the rest you long for might be exactly what exposes you to danger. Forge on, for His strength is available.

Obedience to God’s voice is greater than obedience to man’s voice. Honour spiritual authority, but let your honour be guided by wisdom and discernment. Never abandon what God has clearly spoken because of another person’s influence.

Discern every spirit, and every season. Move accordingly.