Practice Discernment and Humility

character humility prophecy understanding wisdom Jan 10, 2026

Have you ever encountered a false prophet?
More searching—and more uncomfortable—have you ever been one?
How would you know?

Scripture is clear: God’s plans for us are good. Yet the path to that good is not always pleasant or easy. The apostle Paul reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That does not mean all things are good. Many are not.

We live in a fallen world. Difficulty, loss, confusion, and suffering touch every life.

The good news is this: God is present in it all. When we turn toward Him, we gain wisdom, purpose, discernment, help, peace, and joy—often right in the middle of the struggle. He deepens our faith. He forms our character. He builds our lives as we learn to prize relationship with Him above outcomes. He is with us.

False prophets, however, tend to promise positive futures while missing what God is actually doing now. They say what people want to hear. They aim for affirmation rather than alignment. They often neglect God’s justice, bypass humility, and speak from their own understanding rather than from a life anchored in God’s presence.

The prophet Jeremiah confronted this directly. God rebuked Israel for craving dreams, visions, and words that confirmed their desires rather than submitting themselves to His will. The people pressured so-called prophets to produce comforting messages instead of seeking the truth of God. The result was deception—religious, confident, and wrong.

Here are some warning signs that should give us pause:

They consistently say what you hope they will say.
They lack humility and are not open to correction or learning.
They do not seek God deeply in worship, prayer, and Scripture.
Their discernment is rooted primarily in logic, culture, or reason.
Their message sounds hopeful and reasonable—but lacks spiritual accuracy.
They stir optimism while dulling spiritual hunger and faith.
They are impatient with process and formation.
They resist, dismiss, or undermine those who carry genuine spiritual anointing and revelation.

False prophets may be celebrated for a season. They may even be honored. But in time, they are forgotten by their followers and held accountable by a just God.

The call for us is simple—and demanding.

Let’s secure our faith through solid spiritual practices: Scripture, worship, prayer, reflection, humility, and spiritual community. These form discernment. They tune our ears to God’s voice. They protect us from being shaped by what merely sounds good.

And let’s also be honest with ourselves.

We must resist the temptation to speak peace, hope, or certainty without first humbly seeking what God actually wants in a given moment. Encouragement without truth is not love—it’s distortion.

Discernment begins with submission.
Faith grows in honesty.
And clarity always flows from staying close to God.

With you,
Coach Tom

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P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are three ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!

1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here

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Practice Discernment and Humility

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