As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Have you ever bitten into a piece of fruit, only to discover that it's rotten inside? The outward appearance seemed fine, but when you took that bite, the truth was revealed. This experience serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual discernment. We live in a world full of teachings, ideas, and voices vying for our attention, but not everything that looks good on the outside is good for our soul. Discernment, a gift from God, can keep us from consuming rotten fruit, spiritually speaking.

Discernment is more than just making good decisions; it is the ability to distinguish between what is true and what is false, between what is spiritually nourishing and what is detrimental. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Paul writes, "Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." This command reminds us of the vital role discernment plays in our faith journey.

What Is Discernment?

Discernment is often described as wisdom in action. It’s the ability to judge well, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. Proverbs 3:21-22 says, "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you." Without discernment, we are like a ship without a compass, tossed to and fro by every wind of teaching (Ephesians 4:14).

It’s easy to be deceived by appearances. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 7:15, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Just because something appears attractive or sounds good doesn’t mean it is spiritually sound. It’s easy to fall prey to the allure of false teachings, much like how a piece of fruit might look appealing but be rotten inside.

How Discernment Keeps Us from Rotten Fruit

Jesus used fruit as an analogy for spiritual health in Matthew 7:17-18, stating, “A good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” By their fruit, we recognize the truth about people, teachings, and even our own spiritual state.

Discernment is key to evaluating the "fruit" in our lives and the lives of others. Just as we examine fruit before eating it, we must inspect the spiritual fruit of the teachings and influences around us. Are they leading us closer to God? Are they producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Or are they pulling us away from Him?

In today's world, there are countless voices claiming to offer spiritual truth, but many of these voices are producing rotten fruit. Whether it’s a popular philosophy, a trending spiritual practice, or even the voice of someone close to us, we must be vigilant. Hebrews 5:14 tells us that “solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

Practical Steps to Develop Discernment

1. Stay Rooted in Scripture
   Discernment begins with knowing God’s Word. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” When we know Scripture, we have a measuring stick by which to judge everything else. Just as counterfeit experts study the real thing to recognize a fake, we must study the Bible to discern falsehood. Jesus countered every temptation in the wilderness with Scripture (Matthew 4), showing us that the Word of God is our best defense.

2. Pray for Wisdom
   James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Asking God for discernment is crucial because He is the source of all wisdom. When Solomon asked for wisdom rather than riches or fame, God was pleased and granted his request (1 Kings 3:9-12). We too should pray regularly for the wisdom to discern between good and evil.

3. Seek Godly Counsel
   Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that "where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety." Surrounding yourself with mature Christians who can help you discern situations is wise. They may have insight that we don’t, and God often uses the body of Christ to guide us.

4. Observe the Fruit
   Jesus tells us that “every good tree bears good fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Evaluate the results of the teachings or influences in your life. Are they producing the fruit of the Spirit, or do they lead to confusion, bitterness, or division? Paul instructs us in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” The fruit we see will tell us whether the seed is good.

5. Be Patient
   Discernment is not always immediate. Sometimes we must wait and watch the fruit develop. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Patience allows us to see what kind of fruit a teaching, practice, or relationship will bear over time.

The Danger of Ignoring Discernment

When we neglect discernment, we risk spiritual decay. Ephesians 4:14 warns us not to be “blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Failing to discern can lead us away from God’s truth, resulting in confusion, moral compromise, and spiritual weakness.

The world offers plenty of "rotten fruit"—from false teachings to harmful influences—that may seem harmless at first but ultimately lead to destruction. Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This transformation helps us “test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Discernment

One of the greatest gifts God has given us to aid in discernment is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit helps us understand Scripture, convicts us of sin, and gives us the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.

Romans 8:14 tells us, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” The Holy Spirit not only gives us discernment but also enables us to live in alignment with God’s will. Through Him, we can detect the “rotten fruit” in our lives and avoid its harmful effects.

The Need for Discernment in a Deceptive World

In a world full of deceit and falsehood, discernment is our safeguard. It protects us from consuming the rotten fruit that looks appealing but ultimately leads us away from God. As followers of Christ, we must cultivate discernment through prayer, studying Scripture, and relying on the Holy Spirit.

I encourage you today to test the fruit around you. Are the teachings, relationships, and influences in your life producing the fruit of the Spirit? If not, ask God for the wisdom and discernment to avoid the rotten fruit and cling to what is good.

Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject

If you need more information on God’s Plan of Salvation - Click Here