Moral Discernment. Philippians 1:10. “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may sincere and without offense till the day of Christ;” To “approve things” means to test them for purity, like applying heat to a metal to remove dross and testing an animal like a horse or ox to see if it can be used to accomplish necessary work. For Christians, it means that we are to test and practice what is meant to be morally, ethically, and spiritually superior to anything else. There should never be any evil allowed in our lives, even if it has religious connotations. That would lead to spiritual failure. We will give an account of everything we do in life on the day of Christ. The goal of our lives will be revealed based on what was acceptable to God.
Moral discernment is evident; I see it in the lives and words of those who have been born again. As days and weeks pass, it becomes clear that making good choices is becoming more common in the lives of those whom God has given a new nature. This demonstrates that the new life in Christ is genuine both at home and in the workplace. A new Christian finds it easier to distinguish between right and wrong. The difference between what is vital and what is trivial is much clearer. Good and bad are no longer questionable, and the tendency to hide deficiencies with something like wax to fill moral cracks has faded over time. I am more aware that Christ understands what I am like, and He is involved in every part of my life.
It takes time, but God is working to shape me more like Him. There isn’t as much pressure from the world to conform because, eventually, they realize that “No” really does mean “No.” The places they go for social entertainment are ones I avoid. I refuse to do things they do because of the moral guidance the Holy Spirit teaches me to follow in my decisions. Walking in the darkness of questionable activities is not part of my plan, and my entertainment choices are ones I know would not please God. I find comfort in knowing that many others also find joy in spiritual things and seek to honor Jesus’ name. We share many similarities, but what truly sets us apart is the desire for our lives to be “Christ-like,”
So, often, when others are going down, we are going up. When they run out of money, the Lord fills our cups with lasting things like love, peace, and a clear conscience. When the decline in moral standards in the world increases, we have no fear. We know what’s coming; things will get much worse. The Lord Himself is coming, and He will bring true justice. Those who know Him will demonstrate real moral discernment through how they live. They will not be ashamed to look at Him when we enter His presence. The life of faith works best when we practice the presence of God and make moral choices that keep us walking in the way we always should.
Beyond just that action is the effect it has on me. My motives need to be pure and sincere in any act or decision I make. The measure of love for God through me toward others should be increasing. That love operates with God-given knowledge and discernment based on God's word, not just my opinions. The goal is that it will be shown when the best things are approved, and there is genuine integrity in my dealings with others. I will be fully committed to doing what is right.
Being without offense simply means that God intends for me to be morally blameless. There should be no covering of "wax" over the flaws I want to hide from others. God desires that the bad habits, attitudes, and actions I've excused in my life should not be present at all, let alone be hidden behind some excuse. There is a time coming at the rapture of the church and the judgment seat of Christ when everything will be exposed for what it truly is, as I bow before the Lord. "The fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."
To maintain and nurture assembly relationships as God intended, we must take certain steps by our own choice. Character traits are listed in the New Testament in five groups. If these are attended to, they will make relational living not a burden but a natural part of virtuous living. "Virtues" are traits of moral excellence developed because we want to align with God's way. I can do these things to make my assembly life meaningful and to willingly accept my responsibilities to the assembly with joy.