Maybe it’s the teacher in me but I think tests are important. It is through assessment we as educators discover what has truly been learned by our students. My daughter is in assessment week at school. All those little bubbles on the answer sheet need to be filled in just right. However, not every test requires a sharpened number two pencil.
Regular self-examination is vital in our Christian walk. We need to take a good, long look at the motives behind our thoughts, words, and actions compared to what God’s Word says on those topics. Are our words used as flattery of speech, criticism, or as a source of authentic encouragement to build others up and not tear down (Eph. 4:29; Luke 6:45)? Are our actions out of pride or insecurity to make ourselves look good, for personal benefit/favor, or out of a sincere heart to serve or be supportive?
God tests our hearts but not because He doesn’t already know what is in them. The sovereign God of the universe already knows our hearts (2 Chron. 16:9). The tests are for our benefit. They help us assess and see what really belongs on our spiritual report cards. Tests also help us see what needs to change and be relearned. There is no cheat sheet. Christ calls us to genuinely love. We can’t pass that exam with ulterior motives, but we can take every thought captive to Christ and renew our minds. Those actions will always yield an A+ on our spiritual report cards (Romans 12:2; 2 Cor. 10:5).
Maybe it’s time to crack open the Book, and study a little more for some test prep. His Word and Spirit are our only hope in passing the test with flying colors. You have probably heard the old adage that when we get tested or bumped in life – what spills out of our heart is what is really rooted there. Had any tests this week? What grade would you give yourself in your response? Pass or fail? More importantly, what grade would God give you?
Shela-Lyn Boxberger
Christian Author, Speaker, Interpreter for the Deaf and Bible Study Teacher
Regular self-examination is vital in our Christian walk. We need to take a good, long look at the motives behind our thoughts, words, and actions compared to what God’s Word says on those topics. Are our words used as flattery of speech, criticism, or as a source of authentic encouragement to build others up and not tear down (Eph. 4:29; Luke 6:45)? Are our actions out of pride or insecurity to make ourselves look good, for personal benefit/favor, or out of a sincere heart to serve or be supportive?
God tests our hearts but not because He doesn’t already know what is in them. The sovereign God of the universe already knows our hearts (2 Chron. 16:9). The tests are for our benefit. They help us assess and see what really belongs on our spiritual report cards. Tests also help us see what needs to change and be relearned. There is no cheat sheet. Christ calls us to genuinely love. We can’t pass that exam with ulterior motives, but we can take every thought captive to Christ and renew our minds. Those actions will always yield an A+ on our spiritual report cards (Romans 12:2; 2 Cor. 10:5).
Maybe it’s time to crack open the Book, and study a little more for some test prep. His Word and Spirit are our only hope in passing the test with flying colors. You have probably heard the old adage that when we get tested or bumped in life – what spills out of our heart is what is really rooted there. Had any tests this week? What grade would you give yourself in your response? Pass or fail? More importantly, what grade would God give you?
Shela-Lyn Boxberger
Christian Author, Speaker, Interpreter for the Deaf and Bible Study Teacher
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