Should christians test their faith?

[Space_Karen]

Over the last 15+ years, I read thousands of articles every year in an effort to not be illiterate.

I spent time discussing religion in an effort to sharpen what I knew of God.

I searched for the most intelligent and knowledgeable atheists I could find (on the internet) to test my faith.

These are steps I took in an effort to learn more about humanity and the world as God's creations.

And to try to develop what God gave me.

I would be curious to know what steps other christians have taken to accomplish similar goals.

And ask advice on what other actions I might take to better myself as a christian and believer.

 

[Bob Estey]

Over the last 15+ years, I read thousands of articles every year in an effort to not be illiterate.

I spent time discussing religion in an effort to sharpen what I knew of God.

I searched for the most intelligent and knowledgeable atheists I could find (on the internet) to test my faith.

These are steps I took in an effort to learn more about humanity and the world as God's creations.

And to try to develop what God gave me.

I would be curious to know what steps other christians have taken to accomplish similar goals.

And ask advice on what other actions I might take to better myself as a christian and believer.

Reading the Bible and doing as God and Jesus instructed is helpful, I believe. Keeping in mind the great commandment (Matthew 22:34-40) is to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul, I believe in constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I believe in righteous living (Matthew 4:17) as the path to heaven.

 

[Two-Edged Sword]

If seriously try to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:37) and understand that the "love" God wants is for you to keep his commandments (1 John 2:4 & context) your faith/faithfulness will be constantly tested.

Not only is "self" a tough adversary in a number of sins, others test you too. For example try keeping a weekly sabbath day and don't cause others to work for you on that day (such as going to a restaurant, etc.). You will be endlessly tested by family, friends, and even other "Christians", because you will be the stubborn fanatic which screws up the play day they want you there on.