"If a faith will not bear to be investigated, if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak." (George A. Smith, JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES, XIV:216, August 13, 1871).

George A. Smith was an apostle and member of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. What he said bears consideration. While a willingness to have one's faith examined is noble and useful in determining truth (2 Corinthians 13:5), we should also note that it does not automatically legitimize it, either. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding.

The religions of men, including Mormonism, fail the test of the inspired word of God (Matthew 15:9; Colossians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:6-9).

Unfortunately, Christians seem to be less and less willing to have their faith examined in the light of God's word. This is not only sad, it also betrays a prideful attitude. None of us, in our finite knowledge and wisdom, are above error or the need for correction and admonition. If such is offered us from the source of divine truth, we should always be ready to receive it (2 Timothy 4:1-4; 2:24-26).

Christ's apostles assure us that any investigation of a teacher, his teachings or his practices must use their words as the standard of measurement (1 John 4:1, 6). To try to investigate a faith using any other standard of comparison is bound to produce faulty results. Stick to the words of the apostles as you test yourself and the teachings of others and you will be on the right track (cf. Galatians 1:6-10).

Some do not see the need to "try the spirits" to see if they are from God. To them, truth is only relative. It is nothing to be too concerned about. But, they have reached this conclusion on their own. Jesus is "the truth," and His truth frees us from sin (John 14:6; 8:31-32). That makes truth preeminently important to every person!

Always be willing to have your faith investigated (1 Peter 3:15). Perhaps the best way to insure that we have the right attitude is by investigating ourselves. Put our own beliefs and practices to the test using God's word (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Any attempt we make at investigating another's faith implies our willingness to have our own faith inspected (Luke 6:38). Are you willing to have your faith investigated?

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