by Rose Makero | 31 January 2019 08:46 pm01
When you examine people who are affected by extreme drunkenness, you notice recurring behaviors. One of the key patterns is a total disregard for anything that comes before them. A person, once intoxicated, may no longer value their own dignity. They may undress in public, speak obscene words, or act recklessly, even putting themselves in mortal danger, like standing in the middle of a busy street without concern for being hit by a vehicle. Indeed, many accidents occur because drivers are under the influence of alcohol.
Why does this happen? It is because their discernment—the God-given ability to think, take precautions, and exercise self-control—is temporarily removed. When a person sobers up, they are often shocked at their own reckless actions: why they disrespected others, endangered their life, or acted immorally.
The Bible clearly highlights this connection between sin and loss of discernment:
“For prostitution and wine and new wine take away the understanding.”
— Hosea 4:11 (ESV)
Notice the parallel: just as excessive drinking can cloud human judgment, so can sexual immorality. Prophet Hosea was given a symbolic instruction from God: he was commanded to marry a promiscuous woman and bear children with her. Initially, he may have thought this would have little consequence, but through observing her dangerous behavior and spiritual decline, he realized how profoundly sin can erode human discernment. Her persistent separation from God and indulgence in immorality exemplified the destructive power of sin.
Today, many people no longer care about the eternal consequences of their actions. Even warnings about hellfire fail to alarm them. This is not because they are naturally stubborn, but because the spirit of immorality within them has stripped away their ability to value life and make wise choices. This loss of discernment manifests in habitual sin, irreverence, and mockery of God’s Word.
Paul warns that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and sin defiles it:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Sexual immorality, like drunkenness, can rapidly destroy a person’s spiritual and moral faculties. Proverbs confirms this:
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”
— Proverbs 6:32 (ESV)
Repeated indulgence in lust, pornography, or sexual sin gradually erodes one’s God-given discernment, turning what was once a disciplined conscience into a hardened, insensitive state. People may appear clever or normal outwardly, but inwardly their judgment and spiritual sensitivity are impaired.
Solomon’s warnings in Proverbs 7 vividly depict the seductive and destructive nature of immorality. A young man, naive and inexperienced, is led astray by a woman who entices him with flattery and sensuality, ultimately leading him to ruin. The passage serves as a caution:
“My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”
— Proverbs 7:1-3 (ESV)
Sexual sin is like a trap: it seems enticing but leads to destruction. Solomon describes it as a “way to Sheol,” symbolizing death and separation from God (Proverbs 7:27).
Beloved, avoid sexual immorality in all forms. Stay away from pornography, provocative clothing, and friends who encourage sinful behavior. Guard your mind and heart so that the Holy Spirit can dwell in you without obstruction. God calls us to holiness:
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
— 1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
If you have been ensnared by immorality, repentance is essential. Turn from sin sincerely, commit to avoiding it, and allow God to restore your discernment and moral clarity. Baptism, by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, is a biblical step to receive forgiveness and renewal.
Beloved, do not wait. Choose holiness today. God’s grace is sufficient to restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Amen.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/01/31/what-causes-human-discernment-to-be-lost/
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