A lack of discernment is a sign of diminishing faith. The Bible talks about followers of Christ who should have been growing in their faith, progressing from milk to solid food, but they were moving backwards, returning to baby food. Still “unskilled in the works of righteousness” (Heb.5:13).
The recipients of the letter to the Hebrews were regressing instead of progressing in their faith. Earlier in time, they would have been able to hear what the author was earnest to share with them, but not now. Their lack of discernment had caused them to lose ground; they were backslidden.
The same holds true for us. Until we practice discernment and learn to distinguish between good and evil, we will continue backsliding. Thus, a lack of discernment is not only a mark of spiritual immaturity, but also a mark of those who are backsliding.
God values discernment; to lack discernment is to sin against God. An absolute lack of discernment and a lack of concern for discernment is sign of spiritual blindness. Apostle Paul speaks of the dire consequences of ignoring discernment: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14). As people turn from God, He gives them up to do those things their hearts, filled with evil, cry out to do (Rom.1: 28-32). Those not led by the Spirit of God are unable to be discerning. The ways of God and the truths of God are utter foolishness to such people. It is the responsibility of every Christian to learn, to be discipled in the Word, so that we can know how to be discerning. The mature walk of faith in Christ reflects itself in our love for God, and our love for our neighbour, as we love ourselves. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Gal. 5:16). Are we reflecting this?