My word mentions the discerning of spirits as a spiritual gift. Do you see this as an awareness of the presence and identity of demons? It doesn’t have to be this stark, but it can be more in other ways. Can you hear what is being left unsaid? Do you realize when people are not living out of the truth of their being? Discernment in a general sense is awareness and understanding. Can you see how useful these are to assist others in finding their way to me on their own path? The gifts I give are available to those who desire them. If it is the longing of your heart to minister in this way then ask me for this ability. 

Even when you drive somewhere with total focus on getting to your destination, you don’t lock the steering wheel in place. In like manner when you follow me with all your heart with singleness of purpose the process involves continual course corrections. Do not be discouraged if it seems that you move in one direction and are then brought back to center. You are still making progress and you have things to learn from every segment of your path. Do you see your one true objective to follow me? Do you see that I lead you every step of the way, and that seeming course changes are a part of my purpose and plan?

Do you see my word as a book of timeless truth? I said that I had other sheep who were not of this fold. At the time this was spoken of you. Yet the principle is still true now that you are on the inside. I said that my Kingdom was not of this world. Throughout all the developments of history and politics this principle still holds true today. I said that a prophet is not without honor, except among his own people. I was referring to myself, and the poor reception I got in my home town. Yet even today you can ask people with prophetic ministries where they are well-received, and it isn’t in their home town. If you want to serve me in this way be prepared to travel. 

Are you familiar with the practice of shunning? It has been used by some denominations on rare occasions as a means of church discipline, expelling a member to enforce doctrinal purity or right conduct. Its formal use was rare and as a last resort. Most churches don’t practice it formally today, but its informal use is rampant. Have you ever let a friendship die of neglect because someone was caught in sin, changed their view on a doctrinal matter, or changed churches? How does this differ from a formal pronouncement that someone is an outcast that you are not to associate with?