The Test!

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Just the other day I got a call from the office of our family doctor.  They were calling me to set-up a time to come in for my annual physical examination.  Those are not my favorite calls!!!  Don’t get me wrong, we need our doctors and it’s always good to have that physical check-up.  Even as I am writing this to you, my hands are getting a little sweaty thinking of this fun-filled experience.

Guess what, now you get to be the doctor.  Your patient is none other than yourself.  The Apostle Paul made it very clear to the Corinthians that it was time to examine themselves and to see if they were really walking in the faith.  He wanted them to take a real honest look at their condition, to see if they would pass the test.  This wasn’t a physical test but a spiritual one.  I look at this test as the most important test we take in our lives.  The outcome of this examination has eternal consequences for all of us!  This is not a test you want to fail.

No surgical instruments required for this exam!  Take your bible, look deep in your heart and honestly answer these questions.  Does your life line up with God’s word?  Are you living what you are reading or are you failing the test?  Is religion your answer or a living, personal relationship with Jesus Christ?  Does the world determine how you live, or is it the truth and the power of the Word of God?  Do you like what you see or is it time to change some things?  These are important questions that deserve real and honest answers.

Test means a critical examination, observation or evaluation.  Step back, look at your life through the eyes of Christ.  If Jesus was grading your test, would you be happy with the results?  If not, take heart it’s not too late to change.  The tests we face have purpose and have been strategically placed in our lives for a reason.  The author of life Himself has written these tests so that you can become mature and complete, lacking in nothing ( James 1:2-4).  The goal of the test is quite simple, to see if you have Christ in you.  Does anything else really matter?

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

As you take the test, don’t forget the Teacher of life has a crown waiting just for you!