Two types of discernment

Blue | Cabo | Chantelle Adanna Agbro

Hey Ya'll!

I went to Europe for my birthday!! But that's not why we're here.

I've noticed the older I get, that discernment and its' intricacies are KEY.

Did you know that there are different types?

Yup.

• There's knowing right from wrong - regular discernment

• There's knowing what spirit is operating through a person or a people- spiritual discernment.

Now this was new to me. Yet, when I read through certain parables in the Bible, like in Matthew 17 or 2 Samuel & 2 Kings, it's clear that not only are most things we chalk up to just being a "bad habit" or "toxic cycle" an actual spirit, they're more common than we think.

Discernment of Spirits activates a deeper level of faith and understanding of the scriptures, the spiritual realm, and your relationship to Him. It requires faith larger than that of a mustard seed. It requires the growth that we harp on so heavily, externally.

SB: I've come to know that if you are not growing spiritually, then you are not growing at all. No matter what it looks or feels like on the outside in any given season.

Spirituality is the root of all things.

What does spiritual growth look like in comparison to physical growth (seemingly)?

EXAMPLES:

Physical: You went from barely graduating high school and hanging with the wrong crowd, to now attending college. Maybe you joined social networks and clubs. You got in a healthy relationship, bought a nice car, and landed your ideal position in the best city you could live in to execute that job. You have found a workout outlet and a close-knit group of friends you can confide in.

Blah. Blah. Blah.

You've also accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You go through the motions of church, religious traditions, pagan holidays, and baptisms, yet are still unclear on why Jesus Christ died on a cross.

Spiritual: Having personal experiences of the grace of God getting you out of tough times. This sparks a deeper inquiry into your relationship with Christ. You start to read to understand and study in full context; you start to pray more, and the Holy Spirit guides you away from religion and in to relationship, highlighting the hypocrisy in most churches.

See the difference? See the growth?

The physical: you're hitting markers that externally society raves about and applauds you for, yet you leave the spiritual aspect on the burner, not a priority. Things start going downhill, which forces you out of comfort and pushes you toward Him beyond the surface.

There is a progressive advancement as you seek the desire to learn more. The major difference is what we do not see dictates what we do see. Though from the outside life may appear peaceful and put together, spiritually it could look like mayhem. And if you don't have a discerning eye, you won't detect it.

Just the simple, "Mmmm something isn't right with this situation or this person," are indicators of spiritual discernment, but it's not refined. It's refined when you get into the Word.

In my earlier years of writing, I remember mentioning that all things are connected. I always knew they were, but I didn't know quite how yet. I knew there were more similarities than differences just couldn't put my finger on it. I knew that vulnerability and honesty, though uncomfortable at times, were a necessity to delve deeper.

I always knew there was a need to dig deeper.

Though I was often mocked for it.

God works in mysterious ways. God will not be mocked.

One important note about discerning spirits is the shift from just knowing of something and moving through mundane motions, to then believing and applying what you believe. It's the difference between doing business as usual and shaking things up to get out of comfort.

That's what true growth is.

When you challenge the standard, what you've always known, the system and people you've always known. When you question ideologies most have adopted, just because it's tradition or a custom. That's when things change.

I'll finish part two later, but this is just some food for thought. Just notes while I was waiting to audition and reflecting.

Thanks for reading. I hope you delve deep this week and challenge everything and everyone that you're used to.

Pay attention: The reactions or lack thereof, will tell. it. all.

Talk soon :)