Seize the Moment – Day 237
Passing the Test!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, November 9.
As some of you know I just finished my doctorate and I graduate next month. It was a wonderful four years and my fourth college degree. I love school! Do you? Do you remember taking tests in school?
Honestly, everyone gets a little nervous when they hear the word test, even life-long students like me, so what should we do when Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves”?
What should such a test look like?
Let’s get some context for his statement: Paul lays out his goal in 2 Corinthians 13:9-11, stating, “For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. Finally brothers rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Based on this, there would be 4 questions to determine whether or not you would pass the test he calls us to:
- Are you rejoicing in the presence of the God of love and peace?
- Are your relationships “restored” meaning they are spiritually healthy, meaning they are filled with wholeness, forgiveness, and grace?
- Are you comforting one another in the hardships, griefs, and loneliness of life?
- Are you living in peace with yourself and others throughout all circumstances?
Seize the moment and examine yourself today. By yourself and under your own power it is impossible to pass this test, but with God all things are possible.
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