Discernment: What Is Of Spirit And What Is Not?
Rev. Erik Swanson
June 7, 2026
One of the fascinating challenges of our time is learning how to tell what is real from what is manufactured. With the rise of artificial intelligence, we are surrounded by images, videos, articles, and messages that can look completely authentic while being entirely false. While the writers of the Bible could never have imagined computers creating such things, they certainly understood the deeper challenge of distinguishing truth from deception, what comes from human invention and what comes from God. As we continue reflecting on the work of the Spirit, I believe it is important not only to celebrate the Spirit’s presence but also to learn how to discern the Spirit’s voice amid all the other voices competing for our attention.
Listening For The Spirit’s Leading
Throughout the history of the church, faithful people have sought to listen for and follow the Spirit’s leading. The ordinations we celebrate today remind me that this work continues in every generation. I think of St. Francis of Assisi, who heard God say, “Rebuild my church.” At first, he believed God was referring to a small, crumbling building where he was praying. Only later did he realize that God was calling him to help renew the entire church. His story reminds me that when I pray and listen, I open myself to God’s larger purposes, even when I do not fully understand them at first.
Discerning What Is Truly From God: Key Questions
Discernment is the practice of sorting through the many influences in my life to discover what is truly from God. I think of it as sifting through sand to find a hidden nugget of gold. It requires listening carefully, testing what I hear, and comparing it to what I know about God’s character. Before I act or speak, I need to pause and ask whether my response reflects God’s love, wisdom, and light. Discernment is not usually about deciding between obvious right and wrong. Most of us already know that stealing or harming others is wrong. Rather, discernment is about discovering what is more faithful, more loving, and more aligned with God’s will. Several questions help guide this process.
Does It Make Me More Like God?
First, does what I am discerning make me more like God? Does it lead me toward greater compassion, justice, peace, faithfulness, and love? If something moves me away from those qualities, it is unlikely to be the Spirit’s voice.
Does It Make The World More Whole?
Second, does it make me or the world more whole? God’s work throughout scripture is a work of healing, restoration, and liberation. Even when God’s call is difficult, it often leads toward greater wholeness for individuals and communities.
Does It Challenge Me?
Third, does it challenge me? The Spirit rarely leaves me comfortable. Throughout the Bible, God calls people beyond their fears, assumptions, and limited perspectives. Loving, forgiving, growing, and changing are rarely easy, but they are often signs of the Spirit at work.
Does It Require Discipline?
Finally, true discernment usually requires discipline. I must slow down, pray, listen, seek wisdom, and resist reacting from fear or impulse. Discernment takes time and intentional effort.
Listening, Testing, Following
As I continue my journey of faith, I want to commit myself to listening for the Spirit’s voice, testing what I hear, and following where God leads. When I do, I trust that the Spirit can guide me through fear and uncertainty and lead me into the abundant life God desires for me and for the world.