What Do You Think About Tests?
When in elementary, middle and high school, and perhaps even college, tests and exams are often feared. Why is this? It’s because no one wants to fail. However, we are told early on in the educational process that these tests are often a method used to see where one might need to improve. As initial assessments are made by good teachers, they determine how to structure their classes so they may impart the most information in the time allotted for the good of all their students. Of course, exams are also utilized to determine how much each student was able to grasp and retain over the specific course of study.
As we conclude our formal education, we might be tempted to think we have finally been freed from exams, tests, etc., but isn’t life a series of tests in itself? A test is an evaluation. Are we not evaluated according to our abilities or capabilities when being considered for a job? Is not an audition a kind of examination of sorts, a practical demonstration of a candidate's suitability and skill for a job as a singer, actor, dancer, or musician? Often, those with a particular skill, such as welding, are tested prior to being hired to do jobs that require that expertise. Many other examples are available, but these will suffice.
Relationships are tested, often daily. Are we to avoid having a personal relationship because it will experience the stresses and strains of dealing with differing opinions or varying likes or dislikes? Should one become a hermit to avoid having a relationship? Many other things of life are tested. There are physical, mental, emotional and social tests, as well as in various other areas of life. Ultimately, the "tests" of life are a continual process of learning, growing, and adapting. By navigating these challenges with intention and grace, individuals can emerge stronger, more resilient, and with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
One cannot live life without facing tests. As very young children, before we are subjected to school, we test ourselves, often without realizing so. We push ourselves to learn to walk, and to grasp and hold items and to be able to use them with some level of proficiency. We learn to examine (test) our surroundings for signs of danger. We challenge ourselves to become equal to, or to exceed the accomplishments of our peers.
One also cannot live a life pleasing to God without tests. In the second letter to the Corinthians, the Spirit had Paul admonish these brethren to “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? ” (2Cor. 13:5). In 1John 4:1, we read where the beloved apostle was directed to warn the brethren of false teachers. A “test” was required to avoid being deceived. The Spirit had him write: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
What would be the outcome if the “spirits”, (preachers and teachers), are not examined to see if they proclaim the truth? One might consider 2Pet. 2:1-2 as answer to that question. The church struggles when brethren do not examine themselves to remain faithful and have not developed the strength and courage enough to challenge those who preach and teach falsehoods and refuse to stand on a “thus sayeth the Lord”. The Spirit had Peter warn: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” What do you think of tests now?
Often, the trials of life that one must overcome brings one to a deeper appreciation of our ability to serve God faithfully. Take for instance, the brethren of 2Cor 8:1-4. These brethren, beyond their power, were willing to endure “a great trial of affliction” so that they might be able to help their brethren in Judea in the face of a great famine. Reading this, one should also see they “passed the test” and the “grade” was the joy they experienced in helping to relieve the burden of some brethren.
There were and are physical tests which must be faced. Heb 11:32-39 gives us a vivid picture of many who were faithful to God and were tested in all sorts of ways. This was in addition to the many temptations that have afflicted men since the dawn of time. Temptations are a test, that if we overcome, will strengthen us. This is why the Spirit had James write to the church, the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” to tell them (and us) how we should think about these tests. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (Jas. 1:2-3)
Why not obey the gospel today, and begin preparation for the greatest test? This is the test which must be taken in this life which will determine where your soul will spend eternity? God’s Word provides the instruction, and direction needed to pass the test of life. Believe it or not, this is an open book test, and right now you have time to study and prepare.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
