Discerning of Spirits: The Importance of Spirit Over Denomination

Notes from preaching by Wiilian Branham

In today's world, one of the vital lessons for the church is the need to discern spirits. It is crucial to evaluate the essence or spirit of an individual, rather than solely judging them based on their denominational affiliation. Whether someone identifies as Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, or another group, we should not assess their character strictly by their denomination. Instead, we should focus on the spirit that drives them.

The call for discernment is paramount. It is essential to pay attention to what individuals have in mind and what they are trying to achieve with their gifts. In various religious circles, there exists a tendency to evaluate people based on their talents or abilities. While it's true that these gifts are God-given, using them improperly can lead to more harm than good. Imagine the importance of brotherly love existing within the church, even in the absence of miraculous healings or other spiritual gifts. That love should be our priority.

When evaluating someone with a significant talent or gift, it's essential not to judge them based on their denomination or external appearances, but rather on their intentions. If their goal is to gain fame or influence for themselves rather than for the greater good of the Body of Christ, we must have the discernment to recognize that this is not aligned with God's intended purpose. Regardless of how compelling a teacher may be, if their focus is self-serving rather than serving Christ, our spiritual intuition should alert us to this misalignment.

It is important to recognize that we are not divided as the body of Christ. We may take on different shapes and forms, but we are all united in our purpose to glorify God. Each of us has gifts that should be used to uplift the Church and promote unity among believers from different backgrounds. The key is to focus on the motives behind someone's actions rather than their outward display.

The messages from the Old Testament prophets emphasize the same truth—they all pointed towards Jesus Christ. They did not seek fame or material gain; they were driven by a desire to usher in the coming Messiah. These prophets were so filled with the Spirit of God that they sometimes acted in ways that reflected their anointing. Take Moses for example; he could have become king of Egypt, enjoying worldly riches and glory, but he chose to suffer for the sake of his people. His actions were fueled by a spirit of sacrifice and devotion. Likewise, Joseph's story reminds us that although he was judged by those close to him, his gifts were not for his own glory but for the fulfillment of God's plan.

Today, we encounter similar situations where people may elevate their status or gifts above the message of Christ. The genuine servants of God work towards drawing individuals into unity, pushing aside their own desires for recognition. We must learn to discern whether their aspirations are union-focused or self-centered.

As we reflect on our spiritual journeys, we should aim to follow Jesus' example. He ministered with love, expressing his mission to unite people, not divide them. His ministry was characterized by humility, always crediting the Father for the miracles performed through him. Those who carry His Spirit should also embody this same humility, striving to serve rather than seeking the spotlight.

The essence of the spirit is paramount. Are we promoting the love of Christ and striving for unity among believers of various denominations? The work of the Spirit of God in individuals should drive us towards this collective goal. A true prophet or servant of God seeks to uplift others rather than elevate themselves.

In conclusion, during these times when discord and division seem prevalent in our society, it is imperative that we cultivate our ability to discern spirits. Seek to understand others' intentions, and ensure that your own motives align with Christ's mission. The goal should always be to glorify God and build each other up in love, recognizing that we are all part of the same body, the Church. Let us strive for that unity of spirit, reflecting the love and purpose that is found in Jesus Christ.