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1 Thessalonians 5:21
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21 Prove [dokimazo] all things; [pas] hold fast [katecho] that which [ho] is good. [kalos] KJV-Interlinear
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; NASB
The Christian life mandates that you examine and question everything. Truth will make itself evident in due course. Untruths, deceits, lies all will fail the examination sooner or later.
In fact, all untruths, deceits, lies, the world in general and such, go overboard in order to prevent you from examining them.
Politicians do not want you to see the details of their legislation. Fast talking salesmen do not want you to read the fine print or make comparisons. Religions want you to take their word as gospel, without examination.
But Christianity hides nothing. It puts truth out in front of humanity and all of the world for all to see and examine.
Your examination must approach any and all subjects from a position of objectivity, and not from personal bias.
When a person wants to believe something, then finding proof comes easy. They simply start with their conclusion or preferred conclusion, and then fill in the details of convenience to support their desires. This is not careful examination.
In this verse, the test of truth is worded in such a fashion as to proving the worth of metals. Metals are proved through the use of high heat, a blast furnace of sorts. The test is objective and accurate and produces accurate and consistent results every time it is applied.
Christianity does not require people to abandon their instincts, their logic, their reason, but to apply them when hearing the scriptures, to reaffirm them as truth, from within their own minds. Christianity does not require blind faith, or to be gullible, but to approach their spiritual life through educated faith, based on facts, which is based on truth.
This approach to life and truth, also places a governor or check and balance on the motives of organizations, or governments, which would have you comply with their rules and opinions without question.
Prejudice, error, tyranny, fanaticism, political views and such, attempt to repress examination, discussion, debate, or even independent oversight. They demand compliance or enforce it through intimidation or even social ostracism.
Christianity, offers truth and receives its followers through voluntary belief. Truth manifests itself and when truth is discerned, then it should be held on to, as one would hold on, to vast riches.
