Approving What Is Excellent by Walking in Truth

Approving What Is Excellent by Walking in Truth

Walking in the light is not merely about avoiding sin—it is about actively discerning truth, judging God's will, and making decisions that reflect a heart devoted to Him. This process of judgment is not cold or mechanical; it is deeply rooted in love for God and His Word. When you love God, you desire to walk in His ways, and that desire compels you to search the Scriptures, seeking what pleases Him. It is in this pursuit that true spiritual maturity is cultivated.

Paul speaks of this transformation in Romans 12:2, urging believers: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The renewal of the mind is not a passive experience—it is an intentional, daily engagement with truth. To prove what is acceptable unto God means to test, discern, and judge rightly. This is the essence of walking in the Spirit: a life where every thought, every action, and every decision is weighed against the truth of God's Word.

This is not a burdensome task but a joyful pursuit. Philippians 1:9-10 reveals that our love for God should abound in knowledge and judgment, enabling us to approve things that are excellent. Love is not blind—it is discerning. A believer who truly loves God does not merely follow rules but seeks to understand His heart, to know His will, and to walk accordingly. This is the difference between legalism and a life led by the Spirit. The former obeys out of obligation; the latter obeys out of love and maturity.

Walking in sound judgment means making decisions based on truth, not impulse. It means asking, "Is this thought, action, or decision pleasing to God?" It is a life of intentionality, where we do not simply react to circumstances but judge them through the lens of Scripture. This is how we walk in the Spirit—by proving what is excellent, rejecting darkness, and embracing righteousness.

The believer’s journey is one of growth and refinement, where discernment deepens as love for God increases. The more we know Him, the more we desire to walk in His ways. The more we study His Word, the more we understand His will. And as we mature, our ability to judge rightly strengthens, allowing us to navigate life with wisdom and grace.