Spiritual Discernment 101: Testing the Spirits Around You
In today’s world, where everything is not as it seems, spiritual discernment is no longer optional. It is essential. If you are walking with God, you must know how to test the spirits, because not every voice, presence, or even “good vibe” comes from Him.
What is Spiritual Discernment?
Spiritual discernment is the God-given ability to recognize truth from error, light from darkness, and holy from unholy. It is not just about knowing right from wrong morally, but about perceiving what is spiritually clean or contaminated, even if it looks or sounds “positive” on the outside.
In 1 John 4:1, we are told:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse is more than a warning about religious deception. It’s a life principle. The world is full of spiritual influences; from media, music, relationships, “healers,” influencers, and even churches. Discernment helps you spiritually filter what’s of God and what’s a counterfeit.
How Do You Test the Spirits?
1. Measure Against the Word of God
The first and clearest test: does it align with Scripture? God will never contradict His Word. If something encourages pride, ego worship, fear, confusion, or division, it is not from Him. If it denies Yeshuah as Lord and Savior , it’s counterfeit, no matter how kind or enlightening it seems.
2. Check the Fruit
Jesus said you will know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). Look at the outcome. Does the spirit or influence bring peace, humility, holiness, clarity, and conviction of truth? Or does it stir anxiety, lust, confusion, pride, or DISTRACTION? The fruit exposes the root.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit for Clarity
You don’t need to rely on guesswork. Ask the Holy Spirit directly:
“Is this from You, Lord? Give me peace or check me in my spirit.”
If you feel unease, confusion, or pressure to accept something quickly without testing it, pause. The enemy rushes. God confirms.
4. Observe Reactions to the Name of Jesus
Real darkness cannot stand the presence or the name of Jesus. If you’re unsure of a spirit around you, speak the name of Jesus aloud. Say:
“I serve Jesus Christ. If this spirit is not from Him, I command it to leave in His name.”
Watch what happens. The true test of a spirit is how it responds to the authority of Christ.
5. Pay Attention to Energy Drain or Emotional Shifts
Discernment isn’t just intellectual. It’s energetic and spiritual. After talking to someone, listening to a song, watching a video, or entering a space; do you feel uplifted or drained? Confident in God or shaken in your faith? These shifts are signs.
Discernment in Daily Life
In spiritual warfare, people with real souls must be on alert. Some spirits attach themselves to people, entertainment, or ideologies to influence, distract, or weaken you. You may be dealing with:
Familiar spirits mimicking loved ones or past traumas
New Age rituals dressed up as “light” or “empowerment”
Spirits of confusion hiding behind progressive ideologies
False teachers blending truth with error to appear “balanced”
You must be spiritually sober. You cannot afford to live on autopilot.
Final Word: Stay Anchored in God
Discernment is sharpened by spending time in God’s presence. Worship, pray, fast, read Scripture, and talk with God regularly. The more you stay in the Spirit, the easier it is to recognize when something is not of Him.
We are in a time when many are being misled by smooth talkers, Do not be deceived. Your soul is precious. Keep your eyes open. The Holy Spirit will never leave you guessing; He will guide you into all truth.
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
(Hebrews 5:14)
How to recognize what's truly from God—and what isn't
In this world of platforms, podcasts, prophets, and “positive energy,” we are called to go deeper than appearances. Spiritual discernment is not just about recognizing demonic forces in the dark, it’s about seeing them in the light, too. Because not everything that glows is godly.
As believers, we must walk in daily discernment. It's not a one-time gift; it’s a spiritual lifestyle. One that involves constant checking, testing, and tuning in to the Holy Spirit. Why? Because even good information can lead people into confusion or spiritual danger when it's not aligned with God.
Discerning the Spirit Behind the Message
I’ve interviewed or considered guests who share powerful insights and truths about health, healing, trauma, and even spiritual laws. But each time, I have to step back and ask: Does this draw people to God or to self?
Even if someone is wise, shares helpful knowledge, or appears kind… that doesn’t mean their foundation is rooted in the Lord.
I’ve made a vow. After everything God has done for me; the rescue, the restoration, the revelation, I will never intentionally point people to anything or anyone that leads them away from Him. That doesn’t mean I avoid “hidden truths” or spiritual concepts. But today, I will not endorse or promote paths like reiki, tarot, other forms of divination that do not glorify God. I have often said once you begin to walk with God he will show you clearer than any divination cards will. I know from experience.
Just because something works doesn’t mean it’s right.
Even the Devil Quotes Scripture
Remember: Satan used Scripture to tempt Jesus. People can sound biblical and still carry a spirit of pride, deception, or manipulation. This is why we must test the spirit behind the message; not just listen to the message itself.
Psychological Tactics to Observe in People
Discernment isn’t just spiritual; it’s also psychological observation. Many people claim to have good intentions, but their actions tell a different story.
Watch for these patterns:
1. Inconsistency Between Words and Actions
Someone may preach peace but stir division. Claim to walk in love but gossip or control.
Discernment catches that gap. Ask yourself: “Does their walk match their talk?”
2. Charm and Flattery
Flattery is a tool of manipulation. Proverbs warns us: “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)
Charm can distract you from seeing real motives. Pay attention when someone is overly charismatic but leaves you confused, drained, or dependent.
3. Over-Spiritualizing Everything
Some people use spiritual language to bypass accountability. They might say, “God told me…” for every decision, even selfish ones.
Be cautious. The Spirit of God confirms His word with peace, order, and clarity not chaos or confusion.
4. Emotional Manipulation
If someone makes you feel guilty for questioning them, or pressures you to accept something quickly “before you miss your blessing,” take a step back.
The Holy Spirit leads gently. The enemy pushes anxiously.
Discernment is Tested in the Mundane
Sometimes we think discernment is just for huge decisions. But real discernment shows up in everyday life.
Let me ask you this: If you know your sister-in-law dislikes you, would you leave your child at her house?
It sounds obvious. Yet spiritually, people do this every day. They ignore signs, energy, and past behavior. Then when things go wrong, they wonder, “How did this happen?”
But God warns us constantly. Through discomfort. Through inner knowing. Through red flags we often dismiss out of guilt or fear of conflict.
Discernment is asking:
“Would I leave my spirit open to this person’s influence?”
“Would I let my child receive from them?”
If the answer is no, your spirit already knows the truth.
God Doesn’t Want You Confused; He Wants You Aligned
We’re living in a time where many are being led in circles, spinning around “truths” that should be clear.
But part of discernment is having the courage to name the thing. Call it what it is. If someone doesn’t like you, they probably don’t love what you carry. And what you carry is holy. Protect it.
And for those of us with platforms, podcasts, or ministries: we will be held accountable. We don’t just share stories; we shape people’s spiritual perspectives. So the question becomes:
Am I leading people to healing and to God—or just to another distraction that seems deep but leads to more confusion?
Final Thoughts: Discernment is a Daily Test
Discernment isn’t just a gift—it’s a test we take every day. Will you use it or ignore it?
Every time you:
Choose peace over pressure
Question the fruit of a message
Reject what feels “almost right” but not holy
You are passing the test.
God is raising up a remnant; people who won’t be swayed by trends. People who are clear, anchored, and unapologetically His.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
(Romans 12:2)
