Test the Spirits

1 John 4:1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world”

The concept of testing the spirits has added a great “tool” in my faith walk. I have come to recognize there are two “voices” talking to you at all times. This has been pictured many times in cartoons with the little angel on one shoulder and the little devil on the other. We laugh at them in the cartoons, but the idea that put them in the cartoon shows that the thought of their existence comes from somewhere. Everyone can remember a time in their own life when the “voices” of the “little angel” and the “little devil” had an almost audible battle in their head.

So how do we “test the spirits”? What do we use to measure the test? As we face any decision we can “go with our gut” and let feelings rule or we can put the thought through the “filter of scripture” and measure it that way. I believe the filter of scripture is the best measuring tool.

Take a situation where you knew you should have said or done something but you did not do it. The “voices” in your head start talking. Is the voice a gentle message of coaching to do better in the future or a harsh voice of condemnation? Is the message bathed in love and meant for your good or meant to beat you down and making you feel worthless?

When you step back and discern the tone of the message, understanding who the messenger is becomes clear. Then it becomes a choice of who you want to believe, or as I say, you can choose which “team” you want to “play on”. If you hear the condemning voice, recognize who it is coming from and then choose to have a “pity party”, you are clearly making the choice.

However, the key is knowing scripture well enough to use it as a measuring stick. This is a great reason to be in your Bible daily. I am a slow reader. I started years ago reading through the books of the Bible one chapter a day. Do the math. After 30 years I have read 10950 chapters. That has built a strong base to help me “discern the voices”. It is the consistent “feeding from the Word” that gives you the insight to discern the voices.

The next time you feel uneasy about a situation stop and “test the spirits”. Discern who is “talking to you”. Decide which team you want to play on. I find it really works.