Testing yourself
Hello.
In the past few weeks many school children in the UK and Europe have waited anxiously for the results of their school exams. It’s a time for family and friends to support them in every way possible.
When it comes to preparation for exams, some recommend self-testing beforehand because it can help the retention of information. Interestingly, the Bible recommends self-testing to Christians, not to see whether we know various facts about biblical content and events, but about whether our personal approach measures up to the example of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul was so frustrated with non-Christlike behaviour of Christians in ancient Corinth that he challenged them to look closely at themselves: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). This was to do with being honest with themselves spiritually – did their hearts and minds reflect the heart and mind of Jesus?
Personally speaking, when I look at my life, I know that too often I fall short in demonstrating the life of Jesus within me. Paul went on to comment, in referring to himself and to his readers, “And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test” (13:6). The exciting and comforting thing is that, even when I am imperfect, the perfect Jesus within me helps me reflect him in thoughts and actions.
Let’s give support to our young people when they are faced with exams.
At the same time, let’s turn to Jesus and let him support us in the tests of life.
Best regards,
James
About the Writer:
James Henderson is a Minister in Grace Communion International.