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Failing the Test
About 3 years ago, I sat for a certification exam. The examination fee was a sizable amount so I did not want to fail the exam. In preparation for the exam I used several study aids and tools to increase my chances of passing the test. One of the most effective tools I used was a self-test CD that contained hundreds of questions that were similar to those that would be on the test. Without those self-test questions I believe I would have failed the test.
As I reflect back on that time, I think of the apostle Paul’s inspired words in his 2nd letter to the Corinthian Christians and to us:
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5
Paul encourages us to administer a test--on ourselves—to determine whether we are faithful to Jesus. And he challenges us not to fail the test. So what kind of questions should we ask ourselves to test our faith? One question we may ask is, "Do I know more about God’s word today than I did a month ago?” In 2 Peter 1:5 we are encouraged to supplement our faith with knowledge and to:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:5
Another self-test question for assessing our faith is “Am I living a life of service or a life of self pleasure?”
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
How about this question, “Am I ready to stand for truth no matter what?”
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13
As we examine ourselves, we begin to see that passing the test requires preparation, daily study, complete trust in God and patience with ourselves and fellow believers. I would have been upset if I had failed my certification exam but there were no life-threatening consequences of failure. It’s different with our self-exam. We cannot afford to fail the test of faith, because failing this test can result in an awful consequence—permanent death and separation from God. That is why we must do everything we can not to fail the test.
What other questions do you think we should ask as we examine ourselves?
