Applying Leviticus 11:46 discernment today?
How can we apply the concept of discernment from Leviticus 11:46 today?

The passage in focus

This is the law regarding the animals, the birds, all living creatures that move in the water, and all creatures that swarm on the ground.” (Leviticus 11:46)


What Leviticus 11:46 teaches about discernment

• The verse sits at the close of a chapter distinguishing clean from unclean creatures.

• God’s people were to exercise continual judgment—“to distinguish” (v. 47)—in everyday matters such as food.

• Although the ceremonial food laws pointed forward to Christ (Acts 10:9-16; Mark 7:19), the principle of separating the pure from the impure endures as a timeless call to discernment (Hebrews 5:14).


Why discernment still matters today

• God remains holy and calls His people to reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).

• The world still presents mixtures of truth and error, good and evil (Romans 12:2).

• Discernment guards our witness and protects us from spiritual compromise (Philippians 1:9-10).


Areas for practical application

1. Everyday Choices

• Entertainment: Evaluate movies, music, and social media by Philippians 4:8.

• Purchases: Choose what honors stewardship and avoids stumbling blocks (1 Corinthians 10:31).

• Eating & Drinking: Exercise self-control and gratitude, avoiding anything that would master us (1 Corinthians 6:12).

2. Information & Ideas

• News and teaching should be tested: “Examine everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

• Compare every opinion with Scripture, our final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Watch for subtle distortions of biblical truth (2 Peter 2:1-3).

3. Relationships & Community

• Friends: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

• Counsel: Seek voices that fear the Lord and handle Scripture accurately (Proverbs 13:20).

• Church Life: Maintain biblical standards for teaching, leadership, and fellowship (Titus 1:9; Acts 17:11).


Cultivating a discerning heart

• Feed on the Word daily; maturity comes by constant practice in God’s commands (Hebrews 5:14).

• Pray for wisdom; God “gives generously to all without reproach” (James 1:5).

• Walk in the Spirit; He guides into all truth (John 16:13; Galatians 5:16).

• Submit to godly accountability; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).


Encouragement for the journey

Leviticus 11:46 reminds us that discernment is not a burdensome legalism but a gracious gift allowing us to enjoy what is clean, reject what is unclean, and live distinctively for God’s glory in every sphere of life.

In what ways can Leviticus 11:46 influence our daily decision-making?
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