Discernment: A Spiritual Superpower for Everyday Life

Imagine walking into a room and sensing an unseen tension or having an inexplicable awareness of a situation before it unfolds. What if you could grow this ability to perceive beyond the natural into a powerful tool for leadership, parenting, and business? Kris Vallotton’s insights on the spiritual gift of discernment (at a recent executive retreat) shed light on this often misunderstood, yet vital, skill for today’s challenges.

What is the Gift of Discernment?

Discernment comes in two forms:

1. Natural Discernment: Often referred to as intuition or “going with your gut,” it’s the inner sense of knowing, which many leaders develop instinctively.

2. Spiritual Discernment: A supernatural gift from the Holy Spirit, described in 1 Corinthians 12, enabling us to perceive spiritual realities—be it divine, human, or demonic influences.

This gift allows you to view life beyond the surface and identify unseen dynamics that impact relationships, decisions, and environments.

Why Discernment Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s complex world, the ability to discern spiritual realities is indispensable. Kris Vallotton highlights the importance of discernment as a game-changing tool:

• Leadership Decisions: Whether it’s selecting team members or resolving conflicts, discernment equips you to understand the spiritual atmosphere and make informed choices.

• Navigating Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing when challenges stem from spiritual interference rather than natural causes helps you address issues at their root.

• Building Trust: Discernment fosters alignment in relationships with employees, clients, and partners by recognizing their true motivations and potential.

How to Grow in Discernment

The good news? Discernment is a gift, but it’s also a skill that can be cultivated. Here’s how:

1. Ask for It: Start by earnestly desiring the gift through prayer. It’s available to anyone willing to pursue it.

2. Practice Awareness: Pay attention to how you feel entering different environments or during interactions. Is there peace or discomfort? Learn to trust these impressions.

3. Anchor in Gratitude: Begin each day with thankfulness. Vallotton shares how gratitude shifts your mindset and creates an atmosphere conducive to hearing God.

4. Tune In: Spiritual discernment, like emotional intelligence, requires intentional focus. Reflect on recurring patterns or unexplained sensations and bring them to God for clarity.

5. Seek Wisdom: Discernment provides insight, but wisdom is needed to know how to act on it. Always couple discernment with prayerful decision-making.

Real-Life Applications of Discernment

1. In Parenting: Kris shared a story of his teenage son’s struggles and how discernment revealed the deeper issue. A heartfelt conversation not only broke the cycle of shame but also restored their connection.

2. In Business: Whether hiring employees or working with clients, discernment allows you to identify underlying influences that impact relationships. By addressing these, you can create trust and alignment.

3. In Leadership: During a leadership transition, Kris relied on discernment to choose 22 key team members. This selection wasn’t based on resumes or seniority but on God’s favor evident in their lives. Though challenging at first, the team flourished under divine alignment. 

Discernment in Action: Practical Tips

• Prepare Your Atmosphere: Before stepping into meetings, homes, or challenging environments, pray and establish peace. Own the spiritual authority over your space.

• Experiment Boldly: Try discerning atmospheres during interactions. Reflect on how environments or people affect your emotions and energy.

• Be Grounded: Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer. This ensures you’re influenced by God’s truth, not fear or confusion.

• Use It to Build Up: Discernment is not about exposing flaws but about bringing freedom, clarity, and encouragement.

Why This Matters for You

Whether leading a business, raising a family, or navigating daily life, discernment is a superpower that can transform your impact. It equips you to:

• Recognize unseen influences.

• Address challenges with confidence.

• Cultivate an atmosphere of peace and trust.

Kris Vallotton reminds us that this gift isn’t limited to a few; it’s available to all who seek it. Start asking, listening, and practicing today.

Closing Thought

The spiritual gift of discernment is more than an ability; it’s a divine invitation to partner with God in navigating life’s complexities. Imagine the breakthroughs waiting on the other side of a single act of discernment. Ready to step into this new dimension? Start asking for the gift and watch how it transforms your leadership, relationships, and life.

Next Steps:

1. Grab a copy of Kris' book: Spiritual Intelligence. More information here.

2. Express your interest in an upcoming interactive masterclass with Andy and Janine Mason on discernment in action. Email [email protected]