A Simple Framework for Testing What You Believe

After you begin questioning and testing your beliefs, it helps to have a repeatable framework to guide you. Sometimes we hold onto things because they’re familiar, not because they’re biblical. This post is a tool to help you evaluate any teaching, tradition, or idea in light of God’s truth.

Step 1: Ask for God’s Guidance

Before diving into the process, stop and pray:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” —Psalm 139:23-24

Invite the Holy Spirit to be your guide, not just your emotions, logic, or background.


Step 2: Ask Honest Questions

Use these questions to examine a belief or practice:

  • Can I clearly find this in Scripture?

  • Is this taught by Jesus or the apostles?

  • Is this part of the new covenant, or an old tradition carried forward?

  • Does this point me to Christ or distract me from Him?

  • Is this bearing good fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23)

  • Would I still believe this if I wasn’t raised in this denomination, culture, or tradition?

  • Am I following this out of fear, guilt, or love?


Step 3: Go to the Word—In Context

  • Read related passages before and after the verse in question

  • Look for how the early church practiced it

  • Compare Scripture with Scripture

“The sum of Your word is truth.” —Psalm 119:160

Let the whole counsel of God shape your understanding, not isolated verses.


Step 4: Seek Counsel (But Not Consensus)

Ask spiritually mature people you trust:

  • What do they see in Scripture?

  • Have they walked through this issue?

  • Do they affirm tradition because of truth, or just because of comfort?

Don’t seek unanimous approval. Seek wise input and prayerful perspective.


Step 5: Make a Spirit-Led Decision

At some point, you may need to make a change. Let your response be marked by:

  • Humility: You don’t have to have it all figured out

  • Courage: You may need to walk a different path

  • Peace: God honors a heart that seeks Him first

“Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.” —Psalm 86:11


Keep Growing

Faith isn’t static. It grows, matures, and deepens over time. As you continue to seek truth, don’t be afraid of the journey. God is faithful to walk with you through it all.

Which question from this framework stood out to you the most? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.

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