Page 11 - July 2025 - Truth & Tidings

fury turns away, until your brother’s anger tions of both Joseph and David when it
turns away from you, and he forgets what came to being put in a precarious situ-
you have done to him; then I will send ation that had the potential to result in
and bring you from there” (Gen 27:43-45). damaging consequences. When Joseph
Little did she realize that it would be over was pressured by Potiphar’s wife to com-
20 years before Jacob and Esau would find mit adultery, in that very moment he did
reconciliation in their relationship. This not lack discernment but rather “left his
all was a result of a momentary lack of garment in her hand, and fled and ran
discernment. outside” (Gen 39:12). Joseph understood
No doubt, in our lives today, a lack of the truth of the old adage that “sometimes
discernment, a rushed decision, a lack of a good run is better than a bad stand.” In
prayerful consideration – not carefully that split second, when a moment’s lack
considering a matter – can lead to rela- of discernment could have caused devas-
tional and familial issues that can carry tating damage to his life and testimony,
consequences, not just for days or weeks Joseph ran! Understanding the gravity of
but for years. Whether it be an impulsive the trespass kept him from participating
“unequal yoke” relationship, or maybe in that sin.
an explosive shouting match at a family But with David we see a stark contrast.
get-together, the damage that can be done After seeing a beautiful woman from afar,
from these decisions made with a lack of and even after learning that she was mar-
discernment can last much longer than we ried, David showed a real lack of discern-
ever anticipate. ment. He acted on impulse rather than
with careful consideration and scrutiny
Spiritual Damage of the true impact of his sin. That lack of
At times, we would attribute someone’s discernment led to future sin in causing
ruining their life to a series of poor deci- the death of Uriah and, as a result, the
sions over time. While this may be true death of David’s own son.
in some cases, we must guard ourselves May the Lord help and preserve us
against even a momentary lack of discern- from a sinful downfall because of a lack
ment. Even a single unweighted decision of discernment in the crucial moments of
can have devastating consequences for the life. While we can be thankful that God is a
rest of our lives. God of restoration, as evidenced in the life
The book of Proverbs on several occa- of David, the consequences of sin remain.
sions is painfully direct in its warning of The spiritual damage that is done can
what can result from a momentary lack run deep, not only in the one who lacked
of discernment. “Whoever commits adul- discernment but for others around who
tery with a woman lacks understanding; are affected by the resulting consequences.
He who does so destroys his own soul” May we keep the words of Proverbs in
(Pro 6:32). It is clear that some decisions our hearts and minds as we desire to live
made in the heat of the moment, without spiritually-discerning, God-honouring
proper scrutiny and understanding of the lives. “Lend your ear to my understand-
consequences that follow, can lead to a real ing, that you may preserve discretion,
spiritual downfall. and your lips may keep knowledge” (Pro
We could contrast the differing reac- 5:1-2).

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