Today, we delve into a question that lies at the core of our faith journey: Can we truly discern good from bad?Where is God in gray areas?
In a world filled with conflicting values and moral relativism, it becomes crucial for us as believers to develop the wisdom and discernment to differentiate between what is truly good and what is not.
As young believers navigating a complex and ever-changing world, it becomes vital to develop discernment in making moral choices.
In her book, “The Great Controversy”, Sis/ Ellen G. White discusses the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. She emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing the deceptions of Satan and choosing to follow God’s truth.
Proverbs 2:3-6 reminds us that discernment is more valuable than silver and hidden treasures. It is a gift that enables us to navigate the complexities of life and make wise choices.
“Discernment is the ability to judge situations or people wisely.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 419)
Let us explore this topic together and discover how we can navigate through the complexities of life with the guidance of God’s Word and how we can find guidance and seek God’s will in the midst of our lives.
The Challenge of Discernment
In a culture that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, it becomes increasingly challenging to discern good from bad. Society’s shifting moral standards and deceptive appearances make it crucial for us to cultivate a discerning spirit rooted in God’s truth. Peer pressure, media influences, and shifting moral values can cloud our judgment and lead us astray.
Gray areas refer to situations where there is ambiguity or differing opinions about what is right or wrong. These areas may include personal convictions, cultural practices, or ethical dilemmas that lack clear-cut answers.
The Foundation of Discernment andThe Source of True Wisdom
Proverbs 2:6 tells us that wisdom comes from the Lord and that He gives understanding to the upright.
James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He will generously give it to us.
Seek God’s guidance by surrendering to God’s sovereignty.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our ways.
Recognize that God is sovereign and desires to guide us in every aspect of our lives, including gray areas.
Through prayer and a personal relationship with God, by seeking God’s guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives, we tap into the divine source of wisdom and discernment.
John 16:13 reminds us that the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth.
Cultivate a close relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and sensitivity.
Prayer opens our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s leading, empowering us to discern good from bad.
The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and the lamp is a symbol of the Word of God. As we study the Scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, we receive the eye salve of divine wisdom and understanding. This eye salve enables us to see spiritual truths clearly and discern the signs of the times. Without this eye salve, we would be spiritually blind and unable to distinguish between good and evil.
Throughout the volumes of “Testimonies for the Church,” Ellen G. White addresses numerous situations where discernment is crucial. She provides guidance on discerning true spiritual experiences from false ones, identifying counterfeit teachings, and recognizing the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Developing Discernmentby Knowing God’s Word
Psalm 119:105 declares that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Psalm 119:11 declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture equips us with the knowledge of God’s principles and values, helping us discern good from bad. Regular study and meditation on Scripture enable us to understand God’s truth and discern His will.
Developing Discernmentby Cultivating a Relationship with God
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding. By submitting our lives to God and seeking His guidance, we open ourselves to divine wisdom.
Sis. Ellen G. White highlights the significance of discernment in recognizing the voice of God and distinguishing it from the voices of the world.
Align with God’s character. Consider whether a particular choice or action aligns with God’s character and the overarching principles of love, justice, and righteousness found in Scripture.
Developing Discernment by Seeking Godly Counsel
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us of the importance of seeking wise and godly counsel in our decision-making.
Proverbs 19:20 advises, “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.”
Surrounding ourselves with mature believers who align their lives with God’s Word helps us gain different perspectives and make sound choices.
Discernment in Action
Sis. Ellen G. White reminds us, “Discernment is the need of the church today.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 293).
We must apply discernment in our relationships, media consumption, decision-making, and the pursuit of personal holiness.
Discernment is not merely theoretical; it should manifest in our daily lives.
It impacts our choices regarding relationships, entertainment, media consumption, and ethical decisions.
We must apply the principles of God’s Word, aligning our actions with what we know to be true and good.
Sis. Ellen G. White emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent and fervent prayer life, seeking God’s guidance in every decision.
Romans 14:22 encourages us to have faith in our convictions, but also reminds us not to condemn others.
Conclusion
Dear youth, as you navigate the complexities of a confusing world, remember that you can develop discernment to tell good from bad. Through prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking godly counsel, you will be equipped to make moral choices aligned with God’s will.
As believers, we are called to be discerning and able to distinguish good from bad. It is through our relationship with God, the study of His Word, and seeking His wisdom that we cultivate discernment. Let us commit to becoming people of discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us, and engaging in a lifelong pursuit of aligning our lives with God’s truth. In doing so, we can navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and live as a light in the darkness, demonstrating the transformative power of discerning good from bad.
In the gray areas of life, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is with us, guiding our steps. While specific answers may not always be readily apparent, we can seek God’s guidance through prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and aligning our decisions with His Word and character. Embrace personal convictions and extend grace to others as we navigate these areas together. Ultimately, let us remember that God desires us to walk in obedience, trust, and love, even when faced with the complexities of life.
Trust in His guidance, for He promises to grant wisdom abundantly to those who seek it. Let discernment shape your actions, and may you be a shining example of God’s truth and goodness in this world.
Closing Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of discernment. Help us grow in wisdom, to be able to tell good from bad in a world filled with confusion and conflicting values. Open our hearts and minds to your Word, guide us by your Spirit, and grant us the courage to live according to your truths. May our lives be a testament to your goodness, and may we be a source of light and discernment to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
What does it mean to stand alone? Is it a bold, unapologetic grandstand? Or is it the cold, bitter sting of isolation?
Elijah, one of God’s prophets, had to face these exact questions. And the outcome of his story is a bit more complex and interesting than many people realize.
Elijah’s story reveals that his faith was not a constant state of unshakable confidence. Instead, he experienced moments of both courage and fear, confidence and confusion.
Rather than just seeing a victorious, triumphant prophet who stands up against evil with full confidence in God, Elijah seems to slip back and forth between courage and fear, confidence and confusion.
Despite his moments of weakness, Elijah remains unbroken. He perseveres in his faith, seeking God’s presence and finding strength in divine encounters.
Elijah’s story serves as a reminder that even great heroes of faith can experience doubts and struggles, yet they can still find renewal and strength through their relationship with God.
In light of that, reading his story honestly may be a window into our own walk of faith.
But first, we have to set the stage to see what Elijah is up against.
King Ahab is a crucial player in this story. He succeeded his father Omri as king of Northern Israel, and he married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon. As a result of this marriage, Ahab led Israel into Ba’al worship, and built a temple for Ba’al in Samaria. Not only was he religiously disloyal to Israel’s true God, but he was reckless and dangerous – taking on building and construction projects which he managed so badly that two of his own sons died in the process. (1 Kings 16:29-34) Jezebel is also bad news on her own terms. Not only did she draw Ahab away from the God of Israel, but she herself took the lead in killing off God’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4).
In response, God raised up Elijah as a prophet to confront this corruption. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah tells Ahab that there will be a massive drought throughout all Israel – no dew on the ground or rain from the sky “for the next few years” until Elijah gives the word from God (1 Kings 17:1). Understandably, Elijah has to go into hiding for the next three years, until God gives the order for him to go confront Ahab again.
This time, there is some hope for the people: the land of Israel may have rain again, based on the result of an epic ritual showdown between Elijah and Ahab’s prophets of the false god Ba’al. Elijah challenged these prophets to ask their god to send down fire from heaven. While they were unable, Elijah successfully reminded his people who their true God was – as he sent down fire to end the contest, and soon after that, rain to end the famine.
There are a number of interesting details we notice when we look closely at this story.
First, Elijah seems to think he’s the only one of God’s prophets left (1 Kings 18:22) – which actually turns out to be wrong (see 1 Kings 19:18). But this mistaken belief seems to be driving his sense of the urgency of this situation – he’s the only prophet of God left to face down the false prophets of Ba’al, so he has to get this right. He actually uses this “fact” to work the crowd, since so many prophets of Ba’al must surely be able to outdo him on his own, right? But strangely enough, after God shows up Ahab’s false prophets on Mount Carmel, the fact that Elijah thinks he’s alone backfires on him, suddenly becoming his biggest reason to be afraid when Ahab and Jezebel threaten his life.
When Elijah ran away from Queen Jezebel, afraid for his life, God followed him all the way out to Mount Sinai (also called Horeb), where he was hiding in fear. Strangely enough, a few scenes earlier, Elijah used this exact same fact – that he was the only one left – to taunt his enemies, to goad them into a competition, telling them that it should be easy for a huge group of them to defeat one lonely little prophet. Elijah was even so bold as to use his outnumbered status to set up his enemies for defeat: “You go first, for there are many of you.” (1 Kings 18:25b, NLT)
What changed for Elijah? In one moment, his status as the unique prophet of God emboldened him, and in the next, it made him feel lonely and exposed.
But even while he was confronting the prophets of Ba’al, he was not the only true prophet of God left – he just did not know about the others. We can learn an important lesson from this – one that Elijah should have recognized but seemed to forget in a moment: with God, “right” is not determined by numbers.A majority of people could be wrong, or they might be right. A large group might be very powerful, or completely powerless. Numbers, oddly enough, are not what counts. What really counts is choosing to stand on the Lord’s side.
Activity/Group Discussion Questions:
You can group the cogregation into different classes according to seating or according to age. The following discussion questions can be assigned to different classes. Read through 1 Kings 18 and 19 and answer the following questions:
Can you think of situations where it might be okay to hide your calling from God? Or situations where doing that would be wrong?
We see Elijah grappling with courage and fear, confidence and confusion. Can you relate to these conflicting emotions in your own faith journey? How do you navigate through them?
Look at 1 Kings 18:16-21. When Ahab accuses Elijah of causing trouble, how does Elijah respond? What is Elijah’s anchor that reminds him what is true in spite of everything going on? What standard does he use to determine that it’s Ahab who is in the wrong?
In verse 21, what is the very simple logic that Elijah uses to challenge the people about who they should follow?
In light of everything that has happened in the story, what do you think is the meaning of the scene where God sends wind, earthquake, and fire in front of Elijah? In each of the big, showy displays of natural power, God is not present. Then suddenly, God reveals himself in a gentel whisper. What does this say about God, and what do you think God was trying to show Elijah by doing this?
Elijah’s encounter with God in the still, small voice reminds us of the importance of listening and discerning God’s guidance. How can we cultivate a receptive heart to hear God’s voice amidst the noise and distractions of our daily lives?
In solitude, Elijah experiences moments of doubt and vulnerability. How can moments of solitude and introspection impact our faith? How do we find strength and resilience during such times?
Elijah’s story showcases the importance of relying on God’s strength in our moments of weakness. How can we cultivate a deeper dependence on God in our daily lives? What practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith?
Elijah’s journey also highlights the significance of community and support. How can we create a supportive environment for one another within our youth group and church community? How can we encourage and uplift each other in our individual walks of faith?
Elijah’s story shows us that even great heroes of faith can experience moments of discouragement and burnout. How can we prevent burnout in our own spiritual lives? What practices or habits can help us maintain a healthy balance?
Highlights and Conclusion:
Elijah, feeling discouraged and alone after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, flees to the wilderness and finds refuge at Mount Horeb.
In his solitude, Elijah experiences a range of emotions, including fear, weariness, and despondency. He questions his purpose and feels isolated in his prophetic ministry.
God meets Elijah at Mount Horeb and asks him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” This prompts Elijah to pour out his heart, expressing his feelings of failure and loneliness.
God responds to Elijah with a series of powerful manifestations, including a strong wind, an earthquake, and fire. However, God’s presence is not found in these dramatic displays.Ultimately, God reveals Himself to Elijah in a gentle whisper, demonstrating His closeness and providing comfort to the weary prophet.
Through this encounter, Elijah realizes that he is not alone in his mission. God assures him that there are still faithful individuals who have not succumbed to idolatry, and He assigns Elijah new tasks to fulfill.
We see the importance of seeking God in times of discouragement, the need to listen attentively for His voice, and the assurance that God is always present, even in our loneliest moments.
Like Elijah, many of us may be tempted to look at ourselves, our own skills, our own team, resources, situation, and feelings. But when we do this, the very same thing we find to be our strength in one instance can suddenly become a weakness. Human beings are weak like that. Elijah did not “win” on the mountaintop because he was the “only one bold enough to take a stand.” Elijah did not win at all. God did. And Elijah was never truly alone as God’s prophet – he only thought he was.
But it’s also worth noting that Elijah felt alone even when he knew that God was speaking to him directly. Many of us may feel envious of the Biblical prophets – that they had the privilege of knowing for sure that God was right there, talking to them. But Elijah still felt alone, even as he spoke to God. Knowing that God is real is one thing. Trusting God with your life is another.
On the other hand, God seems to understand that sometimes human beings need to have support from other human beings. It’s ok to say that you do trust God, but also need the support of having people stand by your side. God isn’t harsh with Elijah. He instead talks with him, tells him to appoint new kings and prophets to rebuild Israel, and tells him something he could have never known – God still had 7000 people who had remained loyal to him. Elijah was not, after all, alone.
Very few of us can take on life while being truly and completely alone. That’s why God meets us in faith communities. And that may be why God decided to let Elijah know that there were others just like him.
Here are some practices and habits that can help:
Prioritize Time with God: Set aside regular, intentional time for prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Nurturing our relationship with God helps us find spiritual refreshment and guidance.
Practice Sabbath Rest: Just as God commanded a day of rest, we need to prioritize rest and rejuvenation. Dedicate one day each week to disconnect from work and busyness, focusing on activities that bring joy and spiritual renewal.
Seek Community and Accountability: Engage in meaningful fellowship with other believers. Participate in a small group, youth activities, or church events where you can find support, encouragement, and accountability. Share your struggles and joys with others who can walk alongside you.
Engage in Worship: Regularly attend church services, where you can worship together with a community of believers, hear uplifting messages, and participate in corporate worship. Engaging in worship revitalizes our spirits and strengthens our faith.
Establish Healthy Boundaries: Learn to say no to excessive commitments and activities that drain your energy and time. Set boundaries to ensure you have ample space for rest, personal growth, and quality time with God and loved ones.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. A healthy body and mind support a healthy spirit.
Embrace Spiritual Disciplines: Incorporate spiritual disciplines like fasting, journaling, gratitude, and silence into your routine. These practices deepen your connection with God, cultivate self-awareness, and foster spiritual growth.
Seek Guidance and Counseling: If you find yourself struggling with burnout or feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a trusted mentor, pastor, or counselor. They can provide insights, support, and practical advice to help navigate challenging seasons.
Creating a supportive environment within our youth group and church community is vital for fostering encouragement and uplifting one another in our individual walks of faith. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Foster Genuine Relationships: Encourage authentic connections by creating opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal experiences, and build deeper relationships. This can be done through small group discussions, mentorship programs, or social events.
Practice Active Listening: Cultivate the habit of active listening, showing genuine interest and empathy when others share their joys, struggles, or questions about faith. Pay attention to their needs and provide a non-judgmental space where they feel heard and understood.
Offer Words of Affirmation: Regularly express words of encouragement and appreciation for the unique gifts, talents, and efforts of others. Celebrate their milestones, achievements, and growth in their faith journey. A simple affirmation can go a long way in uplifting someone’s spirit.
Provide Emotional Support: Be attentive to the emotional well-being of others. Offer a shoulder to lean on, lend a listening ear, or provide comforting words when someone is going through a challenging time. Show compassion and empathy, reminding them that they are not alone.
Pray for and with One Another: Intentionally pray for the needs and concerns of fellow youth members and the church community. Engage in prayer groups or prayer partnerships to lift one another up in prayer, both privately and collectively. Praying together strengthens the bond of unity and support.
Serve Together: Engage in service projects and outreach activities as a youth group or church community. By serving others, we not only make a positive impact on the lives of those we help but also strengthen our own bonds and grow in our faith together.
Celebrate Diversity: Embrace and value the diversity within the youth group and church community. Respect and appreciate different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Learn from one another’s unique journeys of faith and celebrate the richness that diversity brings.
Be a Role Model: Set an example of kindness, humility, and love in your own walk of faith. Demonstrate a willingness to listen, learn, and grow. Your actions and attitudes can inspire others to be supportive and uplifting in their interactions with fellow youth members.
While God can see the whole picture, we often cannot. If you find yourself in a situation where all seems lost, take a moment to pause and reconsider. In many cases, God is still there, whispering his plan for the future, waiting for us to listen. Sometimes, momentary struggles that we face are part of a bigger plan, a bigger purpose. One thing is for sure: We all will go through ups and downs. Who we might have been in our weakest and most vulnerable moments is not what defines us.
Moments of solitude and introspection play a significant role in impacting our faith. Here’s how they can influence us and ways to find strength and resilience during such times:
Reflection and Self-Awareness: Solitude allows us to reflect on our beliefs, values, and the state of our relationship with God. Through introspection, we gain deeper self-awareness, identifying areas of growth, and acknowledging our spiritual needs.
Connection with God: Solitude provides an opportunity for uninterrupted communion with God. In stillness, we can listen to His voice, seek His guidance, and deepen our relationship with Him. It is during these moments that we often experience a sense of peace, clarity, and spiritual renewal.
Renewed Perspective: Solitude allows us to step back from the noise and distractions of the world, providing a fresh perspective on our circumstances and challenges. We can gain insight into God’s purpose for our lives and discover new paths or solutions to navigate through difficulties.
Spiritual Nourishment: During moments of solitude, we can engage in prayer, Bible study, and meditation. These practices nourish our souls, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and provide spiritual sustenance to face the trials and temptations that come our way.
Finding Strength in Solitude: In solitude, we can find solace and strength through our connection with God. By surrendering our burdens, fears, and worries to Him, we can experience His peace and find the inner strength needed to persevere through challenging times.
Seeking Support: While solitude is valuable, it is essential to strike a balance and not isolate ourselves entirely. During times of introspection, it’s beneficial to seek support from trusted mentors, friends, or spiritual leaders. Sharing our thoughts and struggles with others can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
Embracing Personal Growth: Solitude offers an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. It allows us to confront our weaknesses, acknowledge areas where we need to grow, and embrace the process of becoming more Christ-like. It is through these moments of growth that we develop resilience and strengthen our faith.
Engaging in Meaningful Practices: Engage in practices that nourish your soul and cultivate resilience, such as journaling, worship, creative expression, or spending time in nature. These activities can help in processing emotions, gaining clarity, and finding strength in your faith.
So, what do you do when everything comes crashing down around you? When you’re alone, afraid, and can’t see your next step? Sometimes, you may have to stand alone for God. But nobody standing with God is ever truly alone. After all, in Jesus we meet Emanuel, the God who is with us.
HeavenwardYouth 