“but test everything; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21
In elementary and high school, I hated tests. For a student unmotivated to learn, test revealed my inadequacies. I would rather be outside playing sports or earning money. These were the things I was good at and continued to build up my confidence. Education was not then for me.
But things changed in college. I had purpose and motivation. Taking tests help discover my strengths and weaknesses. Tests help me adjust focus in those areas that needed improvement. Tests also revealed those areas that open my mind to greater possibilities.
My heart for tests became even more ingrain after studying the Bible on the subject. I came across Scriptures like these below:
“Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10
I then struggle with the Scriptures where Jesus refuted those who put God to the test.
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matthew 4:7
Or where Peter condemned a person for testing God.
But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Acts 5:9
Yet, God tests people.
“you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 13:3
“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” Luke 8:13
And we are told to test ourselves.
“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” Galatians 6:4
“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
We are also told to test outside influences.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
We are told to test God. And we are also instructed not to test God. How do we know when to test and when not to test?
The answer has to do with your attitude and motive. It is an issue from your heart. If your heart is pure and intentionally longing to serve our God, you are open to test everything. Yet, if your testing is with the intent of proving HIM wrong and you right, you may have a heart problem.
Scientist test everything with the intention of discovering the truth. They go where the facts and results prove true. There heart is not to make someone look bad or to destroy someone. But to grow in knowledge that will benefit others. They first make a hypothesis. They then randomly test the process, and compare the results with their original hypothesis. They continue to repeat the process until the same results appear. Then they know their hypothesis is true.
Tests are good when you are open to the results. God is not fearful that you will discover him a phony or a failure. HE knows reality because HIS character is reflected in reality. HE is encouraged and rooting for you to discover the truth of the matter. Put HIM to the test. But be sure your heart is willing to repent and change if the truth is more than you initially believed.
We have all been there. Truth gets you closer to God. And God gets you closer to reality.
So, test God’s practices in your family and business. Learn HIS ways and see the fruit. Be willing to ride out the trials you are currently experiencing with the heart to see God at work.
Tests are good. They reveal you, your relationship with God and others, and the foundation of your life. So, test everything with the attitude of learning how to practice God’s best. Where you fail, make changes to improve. Where you are successful, learn to add greater value in the lives of others. When unsure, lean on HIM. HE will direct your steps and support you as you lean on HIM. Meanwhile, test everything and hold unto that which is good.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version only available at Apple Books
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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