Test the Spirits

We live in the age of information. It comes at us from left and right, top and bottom. Family, friends, news, and social media all deliver information to us. It is important to filter this information. For believers, I think it is important to not only filter, but to "test the spirits" to see if they come from God (New International Version, 2011, 1 John 4:1). Here are a few questions to consider-

When filtering information, ask:

Is this true? (If it is not true, why are we even entertaining it?)

If it is true, what is the evidence? (Not just anecdotal evidence, but real, empirical, documented evidence)

Is this helpful? (It might be true, but if it is not helpful, can we put it aside? We could save the information for later, or just decide the information is not for us.)

When testing the spirits, ask:

Does this align with the truth of the Bible? (Some truth is values neutral, neither aligning with truth, or with untruth. This takes us back to the question, "Is it helpful?")

Is this worth thinking about? [Philippians 4:8 says to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (New International Version, 2011).]

Does it align with hope? (Goff, 2019) If it's not hopeful information, is it from God? God certainly gives warnings, but are not even those to point us to Him?

I am sure there are more questions that could (and probably should be) asked, but the point is that I think we need to question the onslaught of information coming at us each day, not cynically, but wisely, and prayerfully. I don't want to be duped, and I also don't want to be "blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming" (Ephesians 4:14). Let's stand on (and in) truth, friends!

References: 

Goff, B. (2019). Live in grace. Walk in love. A 365 day journey. Nelson Books.

New International Version. (2011). BibleGateway.com. http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/