Barbara Benfield Blog

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Why Discernment Matters More Than Information

We live in an age of unprecedented access to information. Answers are available within seconds. News, opinions, podcasts, videos, articles, and social media posts constantly compete for our attention. Yet despite having more information than any previous generation, many people feel more confused, anxious, and uncertain than ever before.

The problem is not a lack of information.

The problem is a lack of discernment.

Information tells us what people are saying. Discernment helps us recognize what is true.

This distinction is critically important for the believer. Every day we are exposed to countless voices telling us how to think, what to believe, and how to live. Some of those voices are helpful. Many are not. The challenge is not merely gathering more information—it is learning to evaluate it through the lens of God’s Word.

The very first temptation in Scripture involved competing voices. Eve was not uninformed. God had clearly spoken. The serpent did not introduce a lack of information; he introduced doubt about the truth. His strategy was simple: cause her to question God’s Word and trust another voice instead.

The same battle continues today.

Believers are often tempted to build their understanding on emotions, cultural trends, popular personalities, or personal experiences rather than the unchanging truth of Scripture. While feelings, experiences, and human wisdom may have their place, they were never intended to serve as our ultimate authority.

Jesus prayed for His followers:

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

God’s Word is not simply one voice among many. It is the standard by which every other voice must be measured.

Discernment grows when we consistently expose our minds to Scripture. The more familiar we become with God’s truth, the easier it becomes to recognize error. Just as a banker learns to identify counterfeit currency by studying genuine currency, believers learn to recognize falsehood by becoming deeply familiar with God’s Word.

Discernment also requires humility. We must be willing to ask difficult questions:

• Is this teaching consistent with Scripture?
• Does this message exalt Christ or merely appeal to my emotions?
• Am I seeking truth or simply looking for affirmation?
• Does this align with the character and purposes of God revealed in His Word?

These questions help guard our hearts from deception and keep us grounded in truth.

The goal of discernment is not suspicion. It is spiritual maturity.

God desires believers who can think clearly, evaluate wisely, and stand confidently upon His truth. Discernment enables us to navigate difficult circumstances, recognize error, resist manipulation, and remain steadfast in our faith even when culture moves in a different direction.

In a world filled with competing voices, discernment is not optional. It is essential.

The good news is that God has not left us to figure things out on our own. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and the wisdom found in Scripture to guide us.

The question is not whether voices will compete for our attention.

The question is which voice we will trust.

If strengthening biblical discernment is an area where you would like to grow, Faith That Endures, Discerns, and Stands: A Biblical Guide to Discerning Truth from Error was written to help believers become more grounded, confident, and steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.

Learn more at Books & Resources | MD Discipleship