I wish you a blessed year 2025.

Test everything; hold on to the good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

The apostle Paul addressed this letter to the congregation in Thessalonica. This wealthy harbour city was home to people from various countries, bringing with them different languages, lifestyles, cultures, philosophies, and religions. While this diversity enriched the city, it also presented challenges. People were spoiled for choice, yet they felt the need to protect their own values and beliefs.”

Into this situation, Paul writes:

“Test everything; hold on to the good.”

“everything” — really, everything the world offers us? Paul’s answer: “Abstain from every form of evil.” (v22);

“test” — by what norm or guideline should I test?;

“keep” — what for? For whom?;

“good” — that is beneficial.

Testing is not about my own judgment but about aligning actions and beliefs with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Martin Luther reminded us that the Word of God is the ultimate standard against which all doctrines, teachings, and practices must be measured. Therefore, knowing the Word of God, we have a truthful standard against which to measure.