When navigating tricky theological topics like spiritual gifts, spiritual warfare, prosperity and suffering, revival movements and more, it's important to recognize your attitude toward the process. Many people are driven by one of two approaches; "Fear of the false" or "Hunger for what is real".

"Fear of the false" often refers to abuses and misuses, heresies and extremes in an attempt to create distance from an idea. "Fear" is willing to throw the baby out with the bath water, which requires no discernment at all. "Fear" masquerades as discernment, but makes sweeping statements that are not discerning. The logical conclusion of "Fear" is to avoid just about everything and everyone, to isolate and to attack others. It's the breeding ground for fundamentalism.

"Hunger for what is real" starts from a place of wanting more and wanting it to be genuine. "Hunger" still discards abuses, misuses and heresies - not because it is afraid, but because it is unsatisfied with anything that is not authentic or genuine. "Hunger" fuels true discernment. "Hunger" is always asking; "How much of God can I know personally?"

It's probably clear that I prefer "hunger" over "fear". "Fear" seems to stop and run when things get complicated, but "Hunger" pushes through, brings correction and goes deeper.