📖 Think Critically

Test the spirits

October 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

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Think Critically

The world needs the Church.

Especially in times like this.

For that reason, we’re going to explore three different things Christians can practice to remain above the many anxieties of our age…

  • Critical thinking

  • Compassion

  • And faith

I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about these before. If so, let my words be a reminder. Because with all the issues we’re facing today, a steady return to the truth does wonders.

Especially amid polarization. 

Polarization and Critical Thinking

Polarization clings to extremes; it’s the antithesis of critical thinking.

Polarized thinking is quick and easy, black and white; it doesn’t account for the nuance. It makes things too simple and easily stirs up base emotions.

Polarized thinking tends to silence other sides while critical thinking thoughtfully engages with them.

Critical thinking examines different sides, it accounts for the nuance and grayness, it’s a slower and more difficult process, but it allows us to see things from other angles.

And what this world needs right now is less polarization and more talking across the aisle. 

“Test the Spirits”

Critical thinking is good advice, no matter who you are.

As the Church, however, we also require something deeper.

In 1 John 4:1, John encourages his readers to “test the spirits.”

He was writing about false teachers who denied the incarnation of Jesus, encouraging his readers to test their claims against the teaching of God Himself.

This is what the Church needs in polarized times.

In tense times like these, we must pray for discernment to sense the spirits at play.

Testing the spirits often requires a great deal of prayer.

Does that political demonstration mesh with what Jesus taught? Does that influencer’s message promote godly behavior? 

Even if we agree with what’s being said, how can we convey it in a spirit of Christlikeness instead of polarization? 

Remember, the spirit of the enemy works through deception, but the Spirit of God works through grace and love.

When we can soberly see the spirit behind what’s going on, we have a better chance of remaining rooted in Christ when engaging with it.

Which, in turn, should lead us to what we’ll talk about tomorrow.

Compassion.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter

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