Devotion How Shallow Am I? Spiritual Discernment?

Read:Matthew 15:5-12

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.   --Colossians 2:8-9

Jesus sometimes appeared amazed at the obtuseness of his disciples. By then, they’d been with Him for quite some time. They’d witnessed miracle after miracle, including the provision of multiplying bread--twice!

They’d heard His teachings. Surely, they could have figured out Jesus didn’t need to chide them for not bringing enough bread.

They had seen His demonstration of power in healing the sick, casting out demons and stilling the storm. They knew Jesus explained present circumstances through parables and Old Testament prophecies. Nevertheless, when Jesus asked a question, they immediately assumed He spoke of physical needs.

The disciples showed little spiritual discernment and even less faith. It was for this reason Jesus chided them. Many of us have grown up with the Bible and the availability of Sunday School, church, and other Christian activities.

Yet, how much spiritual discernment do we have? Are we more shallow than the disciples? Have we allowed tradition and a bit of teaching here and there to substitute for spending time communicating with Jesus and getting into His Word?

Are we easily manipulated and misled, rationalizing our entertainment choices, as well as substituting our own desires for God’s? Do we shrug our shoulders at abortion, alternate lifestyles, pornography, debt, and divorce? By our choices, do we deny our Lord?

What we believe reveals the state of our hearts. When we separate ourselves from communicating with and listening to Jesus and His Word, we are no longer following His will, His way or His Word. We’ve become shallow, weak imitations easily led away in sin.

Help me, Lord, seep myself in You and Your Word that I might have spiritual discernment and not be misled or manipulated by my rebellious heart or to allow Satan to turn me away from You. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Philippians 4:6-9T
Tuesday: Galatians 1:6-9
Wednesday: Colossians 2:6-10
Thursday: II Timothy 2:15; 3:1-5
Friday: Psalm 119:1-11
Saturday: Psalm 42

© 2018, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to share.
From Listen! Who me? 
Print and Kindle versions