Learning to Discern: Guarding the Company We Keep

There was a time when I welcomed anyone who would have me. I didn’t stop to ask whether the people in my life were good for me, or whether the conversations, influences, or friendships aligned with anything deeper than my own desire to belong. I just wanted to be accepted. So I opened the door wide.

Before I began walking with the Lord, I didn’t understand the importance of discernment. I didn’t even know what it meant. But now, by God’s grace and through the work of the Holy Spirit, I feel that gentle check in my spirit when something is off. It’s not about judging others. It’s about recognizing when something doesn’t sit right with the peace of God in me.

The Holy Spirit has taught me to pay attention. Not just to people, but to everything I allow to influence my heart and mind. That includes the films I watch and the music I listen to. I used to accept anything that was catchy, clever, or popular. I never gave it a second thought. But now I find myself turning things off more quickly.

Scenes that once seemed harmless now feel heavy. Lyrics that used to be background noise now catch in my spirit. I’ve had to ask myself honest questions. Is this drawing me closer to Christ? Or is it quietly dulling my hunger for Him?

The truth is, we are always being shaped. We are always being discipled by something. Whether it’s the company we keep, the stories we watch, or the songs we hum along to, all of it is forming us in some direction. And as followers of Jesus, we are called to be alert, to test the spirits, and to set our minds on what is true, noble, and pure.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NASB)

I’m learning that discernment is not about being exclusive or uptight. It is about being faithful to the One who rescued me. It is about protecting what He has placed in me. It is about staying clear so that I can hear His voice without distraction.

Loving Him more has changed what I want. I want relationships that help me grow. I want to watch stories that reflect light, not darkness. I want to listen to music that lifts my eyes toward eternity. Not perfectly, but intentionally.

Maybe you’ve felt this shift too. That quiet work of the Spirit as He teaches you what is good and what is not. If so, listen. Trust that prompting. God is not loud, but He is clear.

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Reflection

Ask the Lord to help you walk with greater discernment. Not out of fear or legalism, but from a heart that longs to honor Him.

• Who or what is helping you grow in Christ?
• What might be pulling you away, even subtly?
• Where is the Spirit calling you to let go, filter, or realign?

He will be faithful to show you. And when He does, follow Him.

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With love,
Karen