Direct Answer
The standard is uncomfortable because Christians today are more often judged by what they believe than by how they live. It exposes how easily we measure faith by doctrine and leave daily obedience out of the measure.
Support from the Message
- David Bercot points out that Justin Martyr's test was living by the teachings of Jesus, and that Justin never said this about someone with a doctrine incorrect. - David says that today you will be labeled a heretic because of a doctrine, and the way you live does not decide it. - He says what Jesus wants to see is how you are living by His teachings. - He notes that Jesus said the Father would cut off from the vine those who do not bear fruit. - He also says a set core of doctrines was fixed, so belief still mattered.
Discussion Follow-up
When you judge whether someone is a true believer, what do you look at first? How would your church change if it applied Justin's standard honestly, beginning with its own members?