Just because we are believers, living by faith, doesn’t mean we have to believe everything we hear. It’s essential to use discernment, whether in our daily reading, our relationships, or even our thoughts.
In our social and traditional media, we hear all kinds of information. Before sharing a piece of news, it is important to verify its veracity, including identifying the source. We can also question the motives behind the post to avoid getting carried away or being agitated by fake news.
We can use essentially the same tools to discern the intentions of another single person when they seem interested in us. By doing a little investigating, we can ensure that the other person’s intentions are genuine and that we are not dealing with a manipulator. We cannot rely on someone’s word alone. It is our duty to investigate.
Even within our Christian communities, we must be vigilant when we hear different teachings. Some messages are encouraging and exciting, but they are not always Biblical. Some messages, even prepared by people with good intentions, are based on verses taken out of context. It is important to always verify the messages we receive in the Word (even those you read here!). This is what the Berean believers did with the message of Paul and Silas. Even though Paul and Silas’ reputation preceded them, the Berean believers received their message with joy and open hearts, but they took the time to verify it in the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-12).
There is another source of information we must regularly evaluate: our thoughts. As soon as a situation makes us angry, or we feel discouraged, ashamed, or worried, we should put ourselves in “investigation” mode. These feelings are often the result of flawed thinking. Proverbs 4:23 urges us to pay close attention to what is happening within us, because it is what will guide our behavior. It is therefore always good to bring to light the thoughts that trouble us and bring them to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
We cannot always be in self-analysis mode; that would be exhausting! But when we experience negative emotions, as we just mentioned, it is a good time to stop and consider the thought responsible for those feelings. It is also good to analyze our thoughts when we feel paralyzed by a challenge or when we have to make an important decision. We must also allow God to examine our thoughts when we are in His presence, as the psalmist said: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties” (Psalm 139:23 NKJV).
How do we analyze our thoughts? First, by identifying them (“What thought is causing me to be in this state of mind?”). Then, by analyzing them (“Is this a fact or an interpretation of reality?”). Then we filter them through the Holy Spirit and compare them to what Philippians 4:8 recommends. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy. Meditate on these things” (NKJV). Ultimately, if this thought doesn’t pass the test of Philippians 4:8, we have no choice but to replace it with what the Word of God truly says about us or about this situation.