TEST THE SPIRITS!

TEST THE SPIRITS!
November 2022
by Al Mansfield

Is there a Scriptural mandate about discernment of spirits? Yes, as a matter of fact, there is.  We are commanded to "test the spirits to see whether they are of God..." (1 John 4:1). In several places, Scripture reminds us that deception is rampant and we are not to believe every spirit. What does that really mean, anyway? How are we supposed to "test the spirits?" What is "discernment of spirits?"

TYPES OF DISCERNMENT

Let's begin by clarifying some terms. I would distinguish between three types of discernment: natural discernment; spiritual discernment; and the charismatic gift of discernment of spirits  (cf. 1 Cor. 12:10).

Natural discernment: This refers to making judgments based on reason, intelligence, experience, and good common sense about purely natural things - where to live; what school to attend; what job to take; what to eat; where to invest your funds, etc, etc. Some people seem to exhibit an amazing ability to add up all the factors and come up with shrewd decisions. We can say that they have very good natural discernment.

Spiritual discernment: This indicates making judgments or decisions - usually about spiritual matters - using wisdom, a gift of the Holy Spirit, and prudence, a cardinal virtue. These spiritual qualities are, of course, used in conjunction with natural reason and discernment. Sometimes we actually hear this kind of discernment referred to as "discernment of spirits," in a very broad usage of the term. However, it is important to note that Scripture also mentions a specific charismatic gift called "discernment of spirits."

Charismatic gift of discernment of spirits: This is a special gift of the Holy Spirit enabling someone to tell which spirit is at work in a person, group, or situation. Although it is a charismatic gift, I believe that it can be prepared for by practicing good natural discernment and good spiritual discernment. Hebrews 5:14 talks about "those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil."

HELPS IN DISCERNING SPIRITS

It almost goes without saying that the most invaluable aid in discernment of spirits is - the Holy Spirit! We absolutely must have the anointing of the Holy Spirit because, as 1 John 2:27 tells us, "the anointing teaches you everything."

Another absolutely essential help in discerning spirits is the word of God, the Holy Scriptures - especially the gospel and letters of St. John. In his writings we get a clear instruction on the world, the flesh, and the devil; truth and deception; light and darkness; death and life. Holy Scripture describes itself regarding discernment in this way: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12)." The truth of Scripture lays bare all error, falsehood, and deception - whether within us or outside of us!

In the passage referred to earlier, 1 John 4:1-4, Scripture teaches us how to discern spirits: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God...you are of God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

Note that this is not just talking about acknowledging Jesus as an "abstraction," so to speak, but Jesus Christ come in the flesh, with all that means - his life, death on the cross, and resurrection.

Another great aid in this whole area is the Rules for Discernment of Spirits by St. Ignatius Loyola. He includes these in his Spiritual Exercises. There are 14 Rules for Week 1 of the Exercises and 8 Rules for Week 2. Familiarity with these Rules can be a tremendous help in discerning the operation of spirits, especially interiorly. Without going into them extensively, it would be good to call attention to the Fourth and Fifth Rule of Week 2. These Rules talk about the evil spirit coming as an "angel of light" (cf. 2 Cor. 11:14), appearing good at first, then leading the soul in the wrong direction. That is why, in these Rules St. Ignatius emphasizes that you must discern the beginning, the middle, and the end of your thoughts and actions. Appearances can be deceiving and things are not always what they appear to be.

Another help in discernment is to associate with good and wise people in the Spirit to benefit from their counsel, teaching, and support. Speaking personally, it has been a great advantage to me to have been taught and counseled by some wise persons, both clergy and laity.

CRUCIAL TIMES

We live in crucial times. There is tremendous deception around today...in the world, to be sure, but unfortunately even in some places in the Church, among some leaders who are rather vocal about their deviation from the clear teaching of Scripture. Therefore, we have to be very careful and very discerning. Jesus called Satan a liar and the father of lies. He called him a murderer from the beginning and said that there is no truth in him (cf. John 8:44). Jesus also called Satan a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but he said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (cf. John 10:10).

It is extremely important to realize that supports that were formerly there in our society are no longer present. There used to be Christian supports built into our legal and social structures that are simply not there anymore, especially regarding sexual morality, marriage, abortion, etc. As many have pointed out, it certainly appears that the world has converted the Church, rather than the other way around! These days it seems that most people get their norms and values from the society and culture around them, rather than from Scripture, the Church, and Christian teaching. It is a fact that sinful behavior has now been "normalized" and taken for granted, especially in the areas of homosexual behavior and cohabitation before marriage.

We live in a corrupt culture and, for that reason, we have to be especially wise and cautious in our behavior, so as not to be "sucked in." Ephesians 5:15-17 says: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is." Let us be careful how we walk!

ASSURANCE OF VICTORY

We always need to remind ourselves that, "in the back of the Book, it says we win!" I want to close with some of my favorite victory Scriptures from Revelation.

Revelation 5:5 - "The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered..."

Revelation 17:14 - "And they will make war on the Lamb and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

Revelation 12:11 - "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..."


Praise God for his victory!