The Alpha of Discernment

UV 2987 /10000 The Alpha of Discretion
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Proverbs 2 v 11

Gaining a heart of wisdom should be a priority of our lives. For when we learn to be consistently wise, we will not say or do anything that will either embarrass us or cause antagonism or harm us in any way. Discretion that comes from a heart of wisdom is a life preserver. For our own tongues can cut off our career, our prospects, our future, our relationships. But if the ceaseless tongue has a word of wisdom on it always as a rudder, it will pass every word through several filters before uttering a word.

Discretion has a lot to do with discernment- the ability to judge well. We need to weigh our decisions and words and actions in the scales that the Lord has provided us in the form of His Word. Using our knowledge and experience so far to gain understanding gives us a discerning mind, spirit and heart. Scripture talks of discerning the times as well as discerning the spirits. We need to judge well if it is the apt time for a particular decision, action or word as well as we should be able to judge wisely the attitudes and values of the persons we are dealing with. The Holy Spirit also gives us wise counsel by whispering gently in our inner ears but we should be sensitive and responsive enough to hear Him and obey promptly.

Discretion is needed in the conduct of all human affairs. Scripture promises that if any of us lack wisdom, we should ask the Lord and He will give it generously. Wisdom or discretion then is a grace or gift from the Lord God. Being strongly anchored or rooted in the Alpha and Omega of discretion – Christ Jesus is key to our access to godly wisdom. When we receive Jesus who is synonymous with godly wisdom into our hearts and lives, the Alpha or good root is planted in us. We then need to diligently study the Word which again is synonymous with Jesus so the root or Alpha of discretion grows in us and envelops or influences all of our lives- the Omega. Discernment will keep us from evil, from harm and the displeasure of the Lord. It cures our flesh of its inherent hubris or weakness.