The article entitled “Discerning Spiritual Discernment”, by Dennis J. Horton entertains the idea that there are generally three philosophies practiced in order for us as Christians to fully grasp the will of God. To open, the bull’s eye approach literally means the Lord has a roadmap which he will reveal to us, and we are to follow the directions. Horton states, “While God may permit Christians to stray from the “perfect” plan for their lives, they are not able to stray beyond the so-called “permissive” will of God”(Horton, Dennis J. 8). He continues on by mentioning, “The goal, however, is for Christians to hit the bull’s-eye of God’s will or plan for their lives by making the right decisions that are gradually revealed to them by God. To determine the “right” choice between seemingly good options, these Christians pray for specific guidance or answers from God”(Horton, Dennis J. 8). It is important to recognize, that the definition of the bull’s eye approach which Horton describes here is through the subjective lens of a theological perspective and a humanistic approach to the will of God. This theme continues throughout the next two approaches covered in the article. The wisdom process of understanding spiritual discernment is obtained by studying the Bible. According to Horton, “This school of thought also emphasizes the rational aspect of the decision-making process, highlighting the importance of wise counsel, common sense, and responsible use of individual gifts, talents, and abilities”(Horton, Dennis J. 9). Again, we can see here that a singular lens is being applied to the Word of God in order classify how human beings grasp the will of God. The final analytical step covered for us to follow the will of God is known as the relationship-formation process. “This approach has its own distinctiveness through its emphasis on an intimate relationship with God and its stress on formation in Christ”(Horton, Dennis J. 11). With careful attention to the first two words of the previous sentence, we notice our subjective pattern again reveling itself.
To clarify, the author has described here a narrowed subjective viewpoint of the word of God which is readily being accepted today across the globe. It is often said that, the best place to hide a lie is between two truths. In this case, the lie is hidden behind three Biblical truths. We are instructed in the Bible to seek and follow the will of God in its entirety. We are not going to prosper in our relationship with Him by cherry picking certain approaches in order to discovering Him or His will. Psalm 37:1-5 (The King James Version) state, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart”(Holy Bible ). A profound look at Psalm 37 reveals to us that God is commanding us to obey Him and remain faithful. This is the will of the Lord for all of us. In order to discern the will of the Lord our identities need to be in sync with Him. John 15:5-7 (The King James Version) state, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”(Holy Bible ). Many Christians and unbelievers perceive the world through illusionary perspectives. These perspectives still hold validity within the subjective human experience, but they are not a true Godly experience. Let’s look back to the article briefly. Horton states, “While the Bible serves as our guidebook, Christians still need to realize that all interpretations have a subjective element”(Horton, Dennis J. 27). This is statement is fundamentally true through the human perspective, but not through the lens of Christ. There is absolutely nothing subjective about God’s instruction to obey Him. That is His will!
With this in mind, let’s address these questions for the case study involving Thomas and his future career plans. The first question asks us, which approach should Thomas apply to his life in order to discern the will of God? The answer is all of them. In order to fully obey the Lord, we are to put Him first and leave no stone unturned in our relationships with him. There is no singular approach other than obedience combined with faith that glorifies the Lord. Colossians 3: 17-23 (The King James Version) states, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”(Holy Bible ). We are to obey in everything, not just one or two approaches to Him. Furthermore I Corinthians 10:31 (The King James Version) says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God”(Holy Bible ). To be clear, in order to approach Thomas, a proper counselor would need to make sure Thomas is centered on Christ before embarking on a plethora of tools which would help the decision process. It is important to remember that if we are centered on Christ, knowing what we do not want is just as valuable as knowing know what we gain despite feeling confused about our futures. As Christians we know that we do not want to displease the Lord, and our comfort comes through the Holy Spirit. Simply stated, know that is half the battle! Amen!! Ultimately, obedience with faith in Him is the only approach to take because when we are centered on Christ everything falls into place. If anyone challenges this perspective simply remind them of what happened when Peter took his eyes off of the Lord when walking on the water. Matthew 14:28-31 )The King James Version) says, “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt” (Holy Bible )?
Works Cited
Holy Bible . Thomas Nelson Publishers , 1997.
Horton, Dennis J. “DISCERNING SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT: ASSESSING CURRENT APPROACHES FOR UNDERRSTANDING GOD”S WILL.” Jounral of Youth Ministry (2009): 7-31.
