Charles Spurgeon is one of my favorite preachers. When I read his articles and sermons, I have to really ponder them, and I often have to read them again to grasp what is being taught. Spurgeon’s articles are not easy reads, but they are full of great theological truth.

Years ago, I came across a helpful insight by Charles Spurgeon, and it has stuck with me over time. Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

I think it would be beneficial to carry this quote through our entire lives.

There are a lot of Bible teachers who sound right. But sometimes it is possible they are almost right. If a person is an effective communicator, it is easy to be persuaded by their message. However, it is possible for messages to contain some truth, but not the whole truth. That is what Spurgeon is trying to get believers to see.

How do we know the difference between right and almost right? We know the difference based on a prayerful and thoughtful reading of the Bible. We cannot just listen to our favorite speakers and assume they are right about all things.

I have a friend who Googles everything, and I do mean everything. Anyone can pull up Google and find an isolated Bible passage to support an idea they want to push. That is looking at a verse in isolation and not being informed about the wider context.

Let me give an example. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I remember a young man using this verse in a conversation we were having. We were talking about playing the piano, and I stated that I wish I had stuck with piano lessons instead of giving up. How I would love to sit at the keyboard, play worship songs, and sing unto the Lord while sitting in my living room! This young man said to me, “Well if you have faith, you can do that. The Bible says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Have faith that you can sit at the piano and start playing.”

I tried that a few times, and I think I might have heard Heaven say, “Just sing a cappella.”

In context, Philippians chapter four teaches us about contentment. Verse thirteen refers to a Christian’s ability to endure hardship and persecution. It does not mean that a Christian is empowered to accomplish any task simply because they are saved. The verse promises that as people pursue God’s purposes, they can find a contentment and peace that can endure any hardship.

This verse is not about our potential. It is about our contentment. While some great communicators tell us we can do anything we set our minds to, God tells us to be content when we find ourselves faced with adversity, and that it is possible through His strength! 

We live in an hour when we must be diligent about searching the scripture for ourselves. If you love something someone said in a message, that is wonderful. Jot it down, then search the scriptures to see if it is truth or almost truth.

I remember an influential person saying that all gods lead to the same place. That might sound like truth, but if the scripture is searched, one cannot deny the teaching that the way to the Father and eternal life is through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross.

Dearly beloved, please remember, “Discernment is not just knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”