Devotionals

• Why me?
• Choices
• The Test
• Your Words

The TEST

I was always so eager to take tests in school... weren't you? NOT.

Just between us, tests are a fact of life. Life is a test to one degree or another. We are tested at work to see if we measure up to the job description. We are tested by others around us to see if we might be friend of foe. We are tested by our spouses and children to be declared a good provider, trustworthy, and faithful. The tests in life will go continue as long as you and I live.

Did you know you are also testing yourself all the time? The sign reads, "limit 45 mph", but you go 46... is there not something inside you letting you know you are over the limit? That "something" is your conscience and it lets you know right away if you are doing what you are supposed to or something else.

An interesting perspective about first kinds of tests is that someone outside is testing who you are inside. They do not know who you are, thus the reason for the test. The second type of test is one where you are testing yourself. The test takes place internally and for the same reason, you knowing you.

It is this concept, you knowing you, that is so important in this next test we are all about to take and I eluded to it in the speed limit test. It is my observation that the test prescribed in 2 Corinthians 13:5 be of vital importance to everyone. Here are the players for the taking of the Corinthians test:

• The Holy Spirit - He is the Truth Teller. He will tell the truth, period. His commission from God is to guide us in "all truth". It does not matter your relationship with Him, be it you know Him or you do not. He is going to tell you the truth no matter what.
• Your conscience - the "go-between". I look at the conscience as the radio that tunes the frequency The Test answers are broadcast on. You tune in the radio so you can hear the test answers.
• Your soul - who you really are. Your soul being made up of your mind, will, and emotions. The soul is the actual "real you".

The Test from 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

So, you ask yourself this test question, "Am I in the faith?"

The immediate answer is the correct one. The Holy Spirit tells the truth. The conscience hears the response. The soul understands the answer to the test question. Thus you "prove your own selves."

Just between us, I hope you pass this test. If not, I pray you will have the courage to do something with what you have learned so you will pass this test the next time.

Revb.