This time of the year, I'm always reminded of the end of semesters in college and seminary. The end never came until the final exams were over. I dreaded many of those tests because I was never fully prepared as I thought I should. The purpose of the exam was to show what I learned and what I might still need to study upon to be my best.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul says, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test." Last week my column was about getting a spiritual check-up. This week, I'm reminded how important it is for us to take a spiritual exam.
Any examination can bring anxiety with it. Did I learn all that I could have or did I goof off to much? One of the lessons I learned while in school is simple: Do the work; pass the test! When I did the reading, completed the assignments, and studied, I discovered that I was ready for the test and passed. However, if I didn't do the work, I usually got a low grade.
Paul's desire for us is to do the work as believers. He wants us to grow in Christ, walk in the ways of Christ, and obey His commands. In other words, bear fruit that Christ is in your life. If you don't see the fruit, then you may want to assess your spiritual condition. Are you growing in Christ? Or, are you just pretending? That is the question! Take the test and see if you can pass. My prayer is for God to give you an "A".
Are You Ready For the Final Exam?
This time of the year, I'm always reminded of the end of semesters in college and seminary. The end never came until the final exams were over. I dreaded many of those tests because I was never fully prepared as I thought I should. The purpose of the exam was to show what I learned and what I might still need to study upon to be my best.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul says, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test." Last week my column was about getting a spiritual check-up. This week, I'm reminded how important it is for us to take a spiritual exam.
Any examination can bring anxiety with it. Did I learn all that I could have or did I goof off to much? One of the lessons I learned while in school is simple: Do the work; pass the test! When I did the reading, completed the assignments, and studied, I discovered that I was ready for the test and passed. However, if I didn't do the work, I usually got a low grade.
Paul's desire for us is to do the work as believers. He wants us to grow in Christ, walk in the ways of Christ, and obey His commands. In other words, bear fruit that Christ is in your life. If you don't see the fruit, then you may want to assess your spiritual condition. Are you growing in Christ? Or, are you just pretending? That is the question! Take the test and see if you can pass. My prayer is for God to give you an "A".