Testing Our Beliefs: Fact Over Feelings

We often hear people say, “This is what I believe,” as if any belief, simply because it’s held, must be valid. But when we look at Scripture, we realize that personal beliefs are only as strong as the truth they’re built on. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Paul tells us to “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” This challenges us to do more than just cling to opinions—we’re called to test what we believe, making sure it aligns with the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

A key question we need to ask ourselves is, “Is this belief based on God’s truth or my own understanding?” Our feelings and opinions can easily shift, and popular ideas come and go. But God’s Word stands firm as the only reliable foundation for our faith. Jesus Himself emphasized this when He prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Here, Jesus shows us that God’s Word is the ultimate standard of truth. When we ground our beliefs in Scripture, we’re building on a foundation that can withstand the storms and challenges of life. In contrast, beliefs based on feelings or cultural trends are like sand—they simply don’t hold up under pressure.

Paul’s call to examine everything carefully reminds us that following Christ means exercising spiritual discernment. This doesn’t mean we question everything out of doubt, but rather, we develop a discerning spirit that seeks to align every thought, every belief, with God’s truth. Hebrews 4:12 speaks to the power of God’s Word in helping us discern: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword…able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Scripture cuts through our own intentions, exposing where we may be clinging to opinions instead of facts, to feelings instead of truth.

This call to hold fast to what is good also speaks to the dangers of embracing teachings or beliefs that aren’t biblically sound. In today’s world, we’re surrounded by voices that might sound wise or spiritual but lack a true biblical foundation. Holding to the truth of God’s Word protects us from being led astray by teachings that may feel right but aren’t aligned with Scripture. It’s essential to question everything and examine it in light of God’s Word—digging into Scripture to verify that what we hear is truly biblical. In this process, it’s helpful to ask, “Why do I believe what I do? Did someone tell me this, or did I learn it from the Bible?” Testing every belief this way strengthens our faith and keeps us grounded, ensuring that what we hold to is genuinely of God and not just popular opinion or our own understanding.

To walk in truth, we need to root ourselves in God’s Word. Regularly studying Scripture equips us to recognize and hold onto what is true. Praying for discernment is also essential, as it keeps us open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. And perhaps most importantly, we need to be willing to change if God reveals that one of our beliefs doesn’t align with His Word. Humility in faith means being ready to let go of anything that doesn’t pass the test of Scripture.

Fifty years ago, I dedicated my life to serving the Lord. I earned an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I strive to live by the principles found in 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I am committed to studying and teaching God’s Word. In addition to writing this blog, I also manage three Facebook pages dedicated to sharing the message of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.