How can we discern "senseless and foolish" practices in our spiritual lives? Key Verse “ ‘But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood!’ ” (Jeremiah 10:8) Setting the Scene Jeremiah was confronting Judah’s fascination with the religious customs of surrounding nations. Instead of holding fast to God’s revealed Word, the people blended in pagan rituals that looked spiritual but were empty at their core. God labeled such practices “senseless and foolish.” The same warning safeguards us today. What Makes a Practice Senseless and Foolish? • It originates from man’s imagination rather than God’s revelation (Deuteronomy 12:30–32). • It diverts the heart’s trust from the living God to created things—objects, experiences, or feelings (Romans 1:25). • It cannot withstand the light of Scripture or produce true righteousness (Psalm 115:4-8). • It offers no lasting power of salvation, sanctification, or hope (Jeremiah 2:13). Four Tests for Discernment 1. Scripture Test • “Examine everything. Hold fast to the good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • Does the practice align, word-for-word and principle-for-principle, with the whole counsel of God? 2. Christ-Exalting Test • “Whatever you do…do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Does it magnify Jesus or subtly shift attention to self, sensations, or human leaders? 3. Fruit Test • “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) • Is it producing repentance, obedience, love, and holiness, or merely novelty and excitement? 4. Conscience Test • “The mature…by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) • Is the Spirit-taught conscience clear, or is there an inner check that something is off-kilter? Practices to Watch For Today • Rituals rooted in superstition: lucky charms, objects, or repetitive words promised to bring favor. • Syncretistic spirituality: mixing Scripture with horoscopes, energy healing, or Eastern meditation. • Experience-driven gatherings where emotion outweighs doctrine and Scripture is sidelined. • Consumer Christianity: treating worship as entertainment and ministry as mere self-help. • Legalistic add-ons: man-made rules elevated to the same authority as God’s commands (Mark 7:8-9). Cultivating Spiritual Discernment • Daily intake of the Word—sharpens spiritual “antennae” (Psalm 1:2). • Prayer for wisdom—God “gives generously to all” who ask (James 1:5). • Fellowship with grounded believers—“Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Obedience to known truth—light obeyed brings more light (John 14:21). • Ongoing renewal of the mind—“be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Encouragement to Walk in Wisdom God never leaves His people guessing. The same Spirit who inspired Jeremiah’s warning indwells us, enabling clear discernment. As we cling to the unchanging Word, honor Christ above all, and stay sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting, senseless and foolish practices lose their appeal, and the path of wisdom becomes unmistakably bright (Proverbs 4:18). |
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