Paul instructed the Thessalonians to "Test all things: hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21-22). I believe this passage gives us three good, basic rules to follow which will allow us to live a life that will be pleasing to God.

1. Test All Things. God's word is truth (John 17:17). It is the standard that determines what is true and what is false. When we are receiving Biblical instruction, we must be careful to test what we are hearing and make sure it is the truth. The Bereans were said to be more fair minded because they examined Paul's message in light of Scripture before they were willing to believe it and accept it as the truth (Acts 17:11-12). The apostle John warned: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).

We must never believe things just because we heard someone say them. We should never assume something is right just because we see another Christian engaging in or endorsing a particular practice. The beliefs, opinions, and traditions of others are not the standards by which we determine right from wrong. We are responsible for testing all things by the word of God for ourselves to see if they are right and true.

2. Hold Fast What Is Good. Once we have tested and found something to be true and good, it is not to be treated lightly or carelessly. We are to take possession of it; hold on to it. Solomon said, "Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life" (Prov. 4:13). We must keep the principles of godliness and righteousness before us at all times, allowing them to guide us in our everyday lives. Along with king david, we must say, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).

3. Abstain From Every Form Of Evil. If we have tested and determined that something is evil, we must abstain from it. We can't play with it, enjoy it with moderation, or even admire it from afar. We must cut ourselves off from it. "Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Rom. 13:14).

What if we have tested something and are still not sure whether it is good or evil? The safest thing to do with something about which we are uncertain is to abstain from it. Why take a chance with something we are not sure of? Instead of reasoning, "Where does the Bible say we can't?" we ought to be looking for where the Bible says that we can.

Some things in life are good and worth holding on to. Some things are evil and must to be avoided. Get your Bible out, examine what it says about the things in your life, and make the right choices.