Episode Title: “The Great Filling Station Robbery”

Lesson Title: “A Concern For Discernment”

Biblical Theme: “Discernment”

Philippians 1:9-10 And this prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.

When most of us think of discernment, we imagine an insightful mind. But the Bible indicates discernment comes from a loving heart. For Christians, love grows with a greater knowledge of Jesus, thus, heart and mind grow together. To exercise discernment, first get the basic facts, second, hear both sides, third, keep open to new ideas. And do all of these before answering. Remember, the heart of a discerning person seeks knowledge before judgment.

Parable: The Moral of Mayberry….

If reaching judgment were a race, Barney would have won. But at least Andy would have discerned the right finish line. When the gas station got robbed, the obvious suspect seemed guilty until proven innocent. And with all fingers pointed at Jimmy, Andy alone still scratched his head. Luckily, the Hanson brothers weren’t that bright, until Jimmy lit one up! Briefly , tell how each dealt with discernment.

Andy: looked beyond the obvious.

Mr.Carter: judged on sterotype.

Barney: jumped to conclusions.

Jimmy: had to prove his innocence.

Hanson bros.: used good standing to deceive.

Have you ever misjudged someone? What made you assume?

Personal response.

Discernment creates unity. By contrast, assumption breeds disharmony. For example, assumptions such as stereotypes group people, thereby keep us apart. To accept Jesus means to share his love with other individuals. This is how a spirit of unity comes from God. Read Romans 15:5-6. Compare how Mr. Carter and Andy acted toward Jimmy.

Why didn’t Mr. Carter believe Jimmy? How well did Mr. Carter know Jimmy?

Mr. Carter assumed based on a stereotype. If he admitted this generalization could be wrong, he would admit he did not know Jimmy personally. Stereotypes group people and keep us apart.

Why did Andy hesitate to arrest Jimmy? Why did he suggest Jimmy work off the debt?

Andy knew he did not know enough about what happened. So he gave Jimmy the benefit of the doubt. He allowed Jimmy a productive way to prove himself honest and responsible.

Discernment requires learning. An answer should come only after all the information has been collected. Read Proverbs 18:13. But we should be cautious about what we feed our minds. The books you read, the television you watch, the people you talk to can influence your ability to make sound decisions. Think how Barney knew what he knew about Jimmy.

How did Barney think to catch the thief? Why did he accuse Jimmy before he saw the proof?

Barney thought his spy camera would work. He should have listened more closely to Jimmy. Once again, Barney acted on what he thought he knew, rather than trying to learn more.

Discernment is hard work, a well informed determination comes from the heart. Obvious answers are easy, a quick decision only involves the mouth. Read Proverbs 15:14. Although seeking more information may be difficult, the only alternative is deciding before receiving any new facts. This is why a desire for knowledge is a mark of wisdom.

Why didn’t anyone suspect the Hanson brothers? How did assumptions blind everyone?

No one suspected them because they weren’t obviously suspicious. Making an assumption is easy compared to gathering new information. While one closes minds, the other opens eyes.

Reflection: At The Fishing Hole…

Leviticus 19:15: Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.

To love others, judge them fairly. In this , the second greatest commandment calls for discernment. Read Matthew 22:37-39. In fact, using discernment to follow the first two, we obey all other laws as well. We are to make sound decisions to protect others and correct those that don’t judge fairly. Read Proverbs 31: 8-9. When we fail to do this, we actually break God’s law. If you become tempted to judge by assumption, instead use discernment in accordance with the law of love.

Like Mr. Carter, have you formed opinions of others based on suspicion? Give an example.

Personal response.

Barney had his law backwards, it’s not “presumed guilty”. Sometimes accusations are the only thing we hear, but that doesn’t make them accurate. When you are ready to condemn someone, try to say something positive about him or her instead. Rather than punishment for the accused, the rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. Read Proverbs 10:13.

Like Barney, have you usually assumed an accused person must be guilty? Give an example.

Personal response.

Jimmy discerned he should defend himself rather than attack others. In a similar fashion, we should not judge those that judge us simply out of spite. Anyone who judges his brother judges the law, and when you judge the law you are not keeping it. Read James 4:11. One fundamental way to love others is to withhold unfair judgment, whether you are the accuser or the accused.

Like Jimmy, have you been judged unfairly by others. Give an example.

Personal response.

Action: Get Out Your Bullet…

Proverbs 3:21, 23. My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight….Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

Discernment is a judgment call, that is sound judgment is discernment in action. Rather than with the mind, the truly discerning acquire knowledge with the heart. Read Proverbs 18:15. This is because decisions made from the heart are more likely to follow God’s law of love. The basis for making sound decisions is seeking the right information, not necessarily accepting the first thing we hear. Read Proverbs 18:17. Indeed, when we judge others in love, we are judged in love by the Lord.

Where will your discernment come from?

Rather than from the mind, true discernment comes from a loving heart. For Christians, love grows with a greater knowledge of Jesus, thus , heart and mind grow together.

What steps will you take to exercise discernment?

To exercise discernment, first , get the basic facts; second hear both sides, third, keep open to new ideas. And do all of these before answering. Seek knowledge before judgment.

What will God do for you when you judge others in love?

Instead of assumption, use discernment in love. Judgments made from the heart follow God’s law of love. When we judge others in love, we are judged in love by the Lord.

How often do you misjudge with your mind? When will you look with your heart?

Personal response.