2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (NIV)
1 Timothy 1:18-19: Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. (NIV)
One of the highlights of the 2015 PDK Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools was that most Americans did not support standardized testing.
If you have sat in an exam hall, chances are that you would have felt some nervousness at some point, even if you are particularly fond of testing and school.
It feels a lot easier to get on with the day’s activities without stopping to take a test, much less about yourself.
But this is precisely what the Lord asks you to do in the first text above.
God calls us to such an examination not to condemn us but so that we can realize whether we are still in the faith. It is a humbling thought to see that a person can indeed fail this test.
So what test, you may ask? Even though there aren’t any listed questions in the call, God gives you a guide to examine yourself.
In humility, check your heart before God:
Is your conscience still clear before the Lord, or have you ignored the voice of the Spirit for too long?
Do you have faith that Jesus died for your sins, rose again on the third day, and salvation is in Him alone?
Do you have a hope that He is coming back one day for those He has redeemed who keep themselves pure?
Do you have a genuine love for God and people in your heart?
If you discover that you failed the test, do not despair. The Lord wants you to ask Him for help. Turn away from whatever might have caused you to fail the test, and thrust yourself into the Loving arms of Jesus. Ask the Spirit to cleanse your heart and make it His dwelling place again.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the convicting power of your word. I open myself today to the scrutiny of your word and your Holy Spirit. Search me O God, know me, know my deepest thoughts, see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting, the way of life in Jesus name. Amen.