By Dr. Daniel Haupt
Discernment is a critical skill in navigating life’s complexities. Although, many times our
gut feeling is right, what we think we see and understand is not always accurate. A
closed mind can shut out truth unintentionally. Assuming a position of researching and
learning is a prerequisite of discerning. Proverbs 5:1-2 reminds us, “My son, pay
attention to my wisdom; turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain
discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.” Looking into situations, people, and
offers instead of looking at them, can be helpful for discernment.
What Is Discernment?
Webster defines discernment as “the ability to judge well.” In the biblical sense,
discernment is the wisdom to distinguish truth from error and good from evil, often
guided by the Spirit of God (Hebrews 5:14). While human discernment is valuable, it
can also be flawed due to biases, limited information, or emotional influences.
The Blind Men and the Elephant Perception Flaw
The story of the blind men and the elephant perfectly illustrates the dangers of faulty
perception and the necessity of discernment. Each blind man, touching only one part of
an elephant, insisted they understood the whole. One declared it was like a wall,
another said it was like a rope, and yet another, like a tree trunk. None perceived the
truth about the whole elephant because they focused only a particular part, lacking a
comprehensive perspective. Like the blind men, our judgments can lead to error if we
fail to seek wisdom beyond our limited perceptions.
The Critical Need for Discernment
In today’s world, discernment is more important than ever. We are surrounded by fraud,
from internet scams to false advertising. Deception in media proliferates through biased
reporting and misinformation. Leaders sometimes manipulate facts to serve their
interests, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation. Without discernment, we risk making
decisions that lead to significant loss—financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Learning and Applying Discernment
Clearing the fog of faulty perception requires intentional effort:
- Ignore the Urgency Trap
Con artists and manipulative salespeople thrive on urgency. They pressure you
to act immediately, claiming opportunities will disappear if you delay. Resist this.
Pray for clarity, and with authority, grant yourself more time to reflect.
- Research and Fact-Checking
Before making decisions or purchases, verify the information. Fraudsters rely on
your lack of due diligence. Investigate claims, cross-check facts, and seek
multiple sources of truth. - Block and Ignore Scammers
Avoid engaging with unsolicited texts, phone calls, and emails. Scammers prey
on your curiosity and vulnerability. Guard your mind and emotions by setting firm
boundaries.
Conclusion
The story of the blind men and the elephant teaches us that limited perspectives lead to
flawed conclusions. In a world rife with deception, discernment is not just a virtue—it is
a necessity. By seeking wisdom through prayer, thorough research, and caution, you
protect yourself from loss and position yourself to live your best and most productive
life. Answer the call to discernment today and let it guide you toward the truth,
preserving your purpose and destiny.
Dr. Daniel Haupt is a Life Destiny Strategist, founder/vision pastor of Voice Of Destiny Ministries
and PrayFastDaily.org, a strategic praying, fasting, teaching and training ministry.
DenverDestinyCenter.org