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October 21 Helps, Governments, Discerning of Spirits
Discerning of Spirits
“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; . . . to another discerning
of spirits” (1 Corinthians 12:8, 10).
Some have been so blinded by their own unbelief that they could
not discern the spirit of Brother B. They might have been helped by
him if he had been standing in the counsel of God. . . .
He feels that it is an honor to suggest doubts and unbelief in
regard to the established faith of God’s commandment-keeping people.
The truth that he once rejoiced in is now darkness to him, and,
unless he changes his course, he will fall back into a mixture of the
views of the different denominations, but will agree in the whole with
none of them; he will be a distinct church of himself, but not under the
control of the great Head of the church. By bringing his views in
opposition to the faith of the body, he is disheartening and discouraging
the church. 59
There are many avenues through which the enemy will work, and
those who are placed as watchmen on the walls of Zion must be reliable,
discerning every device of the enemy. Christ has given warning
of deception and falsehood that will come to us, and His warning
should be strictly heeded. The senses of everyone should be awake.
They should study from cause to effect, and see the necessities of the
situation, not only in one line but in all lines. They should understand
what is to be endorsed and what is to be set aside. They should discern
the spirit of everything purporting to be a direct message from
Heaven. They should see when deceptions are multiplying in the
very midst of us. They should see that the education and training of
the people in these last days is to be that of firm reliance upon the
Word of God, which is Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. 60
By studying the Word of God, and carrying out its precepts in all
their business transactions, men may carefully discern the spirit that
controls the actions. In the place of following human impulse and natural
inclination, they may learn, by diligent study, the principles that
should control the sons and daughters of Adam. 61
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