…to another the discernment of spirits…1Cor 12:10a NRSV

How do we determine if the voices in our heads or the palpable group dynamic we feel in certain crowds are on the side of angels? How do we recognize the still, small voice of God in the cacophonous whirlwind that can drown out our inner and outer dialogues? Team spirit can bind us together over something beyond our own individual preferences and experiences – just go to a soccer game. Group cohesion is powerful enough to prompt soldiers to march into certain danger and strengthen the resolve of protestors as they face tear gas, dogs, and beatings at civil rights marches; it also gives people permission to do unspeakable acts of violence that alone they would not dare to do (hazing, lynching). These things are spiritual things, beyond the scope of emotion alone.

So how can we tell what kind of spirit is prompting action? Just like most things, it boils down to God-Self-Neighbor. Is this a spirit fostering the lives of others or is it destructive? Sometimes, we need someone else to help us with that discernment. Whether the ability to discern spirits is inborn, comes through thoughtful and prayerful study, or some combination the two doesn’t really matter. The Spirit gives the gift of discerning spirits to bless the world. The particulars may vary, the results remain sacred.