How to Test Your Beliefs Without Falling Apart

So you’ve started to question something you’ve always believed—now what? For many of us, the thought of finding out we were wrong about a long-held belief feels terrifying. But the truth is, testing your beliefs can strengthen your faith, not destroy it.

We don’t test our beliefs because we want to doubt everything. We test them because we want to build on the truth.

Start with Humility and Prayer

Before diving into Scripture or seeking out answers, begin by asking God to guide your search:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” —James 1:5

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you:

  • Discern between truth and tradition

  • Be open to correction

  • Stay grounded in love, not fear or pride

Use the Bible as Your Primary Standard

We often inherit beliefs from culture, tradition, or well-meaning teachers. But everything should be measured against the full counsel of Scripture.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” —2 Timothy 3:16

Some tips:

  • Don’t cherry-pick verses. Read in context.

  • Ask: Was this taught by Jesus or the apostles, or is it an added rule?

  • Compare multiple passages before forming a conclusion.

Pay Attention to the Fruit

Jesus said we would know things by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). Ask:

  • Is this belief producing love, joy, peace, patience, and growth?

  • Or is it causing fear, legalism, pride, or control?

If a belief consistently leads to division, burnout, or bondage, it may be time to reevaluate it.

Stay Grounded in the Gospel

Not everything is a salvation issue. Some beliefs are secondary. When testing your faith, keep the Gospel central:

  • Jesus is the Son of God

  • Salvation is by grace through faith

  • Scripture is the authority

Everything else should flow from and point back to this foundation.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 3:11

Be Patient With the Process

You don’t have to figure it all out in a day. It’s okay to say, “I’m still seeking on this one.”

Take notes. Pray. Revisit Scripture. Ask trusted believers who value truth over tradition.

Don’t let fear stop you from pursuing clarity. God is not fragile. Your faith will not shatter if it’s built on Him.

Testing Your Beliefs Isn’t Doubting God—It’s Honoring Him

God wants us to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). That means we’re called to actively pursue what is true, not just passively accept what we’ve been handed.

So ask the hard questions. Dig deep. Keep Jesus at the center. And trust that if you're seeking Him, He will lead you into truth.

What’s one belief or tradition you’ve wrestled with recently? What helped you test it well?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Start Here: What's The Waymaker's Misfit All About?

If you’ve ever felt like something was off in the modern church—like you were going through the motions but not growing—you’re not alone. This space was created for believers who love Jesus but are ready to return to what the Bible actually says about faith, discipleship, worship, and community. Whether you’re currently in a traditional church, in transition, or quietly walking this out with Jesus on your own, this blog exists to remind you: God is still moving. He still speaks. And He always preserves a remnant. What You'll Find Here This blog is built around two main types of content: Weekly Gathering Posts Simple, Scripture-based guides for worshiping at home with your spouse, your family, or even on your own. These are released every Sunday morning and include: A weekly Scripture theme Worship suggestions Prayer prompts Reflection questions A challenge to live out your faith If you're looking for a way to stay grounded each week without needing...
Read more

A Simple Framework for Testing What You Believe

Image
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...
Read more

Week 16: Resurrection Hope

Theme Verse: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” — Matthew 28:6 (NIV) Welcome & Intentional Start Let’s enter this time with hearts full of joy and gratitude for the resurrection of Jesus! Opening Prayer: Risen Savior, thank You for defeating death and rising in victory! Today, we celebrate the hope that is alive because You are alive. Fill our hearts with resurrection joy and remind us that nothing is impossible with You. In Your powerful name, amen. Worship Celebrate the resurrection with these powerful songs and Scripture: “Glorious Day” – Passion / Kristian Stanfill “Because He Lives (Amen)” – Matt Maher Psalm 118:24 – "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Let the truth of Easter breathe fresh life into your worship. Scripture Reading Begin with the theme verse , Matthew 28:6. Read the full resurrection account in Matthew 28:1–10 to experience the joy and wonder of that first Easter morning. Discussion ...
Read more