For Christians, there is a faithful way to test what is true. It's found in 1 John 4 and takes a little prayerful reflection and practice. Our first inclination might be to ask whether something sounds right. That's a decent first step, but let's go a little deeper.
Another faithful question to consider in our search for what is true is what kind of life it produces.
1 John 4:1 tells believers to "test the spirits." Now, that might sound like we should be suspicious of everyone. But I'm not sure John is encouraging us to be so cynical. He's encouraging us to be discerning. And the test he offers is centered on Jesus Christ "in the flesh."
Incarnation is more than a confessional, theological word. Incarnation is a way of seeing the world. It reminds us that God stepped into our world, our struggles, and our suffering. And we don't just remember that truth became flesh at Christmas.
If we claim to follow the One who took on flesh, then our beliefs should become visible in the way we live. Compassion, forgiveness, and generosity, for example, are our theology with skin on. Our faith has learned to walk in real life.
John also reminds us that discernment isn't a solo project. Throughout the passage, he speaks to the church as a community. We need one another because every one of us has blind spots. Together, as we pray, worship, study Scripture, and encourage one another, we learn to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd.
The world is full of competing voices, each promising meaning, identity, or security. But not every voice deserves our commitment. So, the question, "Is this true?" only takes us so far. "Does this lead me to look more like Jesus?" is the better thought.
When Christ is the measure, truth becomes more than something we believe. It becomes someone we follow together.
Stay blessed...john
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