Discerning the Spirit 

   “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” (1 Cor 12: 4 – 6) 

   To build a house we need many people with many different talents.  We need those who can level the ground, those who can lay a solid foundation to build on.  We need carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, roofers, and many others to properly construct our house.

   The kingdom of God on earth is similar.  Many workers with many gifts of the spirit are needed to grow His kingdom on earth.  Not all are called to the same task and not all are given the same gifts, but each according to God’s will.  The spirit, if we listen, will guide us in how best serve God’s kingdom in this world.

   However, there are many spirits that may come to us.  Some are from God, but some are from Satan.  The evil one can come to us in many forms, speaking sweetly.  With his lies and promises he led our first parents to sin, bringing death into the world.  Through his promptings he convinced the religious leaders of Israel put the Son of God to death on a cross.

   In St. John’s first letter he wrote, “It is not every spirit, my dear people, that you can trust; test them to see if they come from God; there are many false prophets, now, in the world.” (1 John 4: 1).  We must prayerfully seek the guidance of God and the Holy Spirit in all things.  If we do this we will be led on the right path, the path God has chosen for us.