Examine & Test
Just like a teacher tests students, so the Lord will test your heart to see whether you trust Him and live faithfully.
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord...Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land...When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God...Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God...You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me...But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
Deuteronomy 8:1-14, 16-18
Do any of us like to be tested? Think back to when a time when you were a student in a classroom. How did you feel when you knew a test was coming? Did you ever have a pop quiz that caught you off guard? How about in the workplace? How do you feel when the boss spends time and tests your performance? Do you ever think about why we feel the way we do about being tested? Tests measure our performance or preparation. Tests are revealers of the truth. Tests can apply pressure. Pressure can be either a positive or a negative depending on how we process the pressure we feel. The enemy wants your pressure to turn into stress and separation. The Lord God wants pressure to produce value much the same way pressure produces diamonds. Why would we be afraid of something that helps us be honest about where we are and grows us closer to the likeness of Jesus?
The text says that God tests the people. Unlike earthly teachers, God already knows the truth, so why does He test? It's not so He can gather more information. God tests us so that we can be honest about where we are and come into alignment with Him. His tests are meant to draw us closer and help us walk more faithfully. He continually says that His tests are meant to help us grow and get to the place of blessing. Should this not change the way we think about the tests we face each day? Should we not daily invite the tests and examinations of our hearts if those tests will help us?
God warns against pride. Look at the text. This text could be written for our modern culture as it so accurately describes the cause and effect of living in a place of abundance as exists in our world. God says that pride and personal comforts can cause separation if people start to live on their own strength and security. Is this not what is happening today? How many people in the world are apathetic about devotion to God? Do our own hearts not face temptation every day to live in a way that works to preserve comfort over pursuing Christ fully?
“In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.”
Psalms 11:1, 3-4, 7
David speaks to two truths in this psalm that can help us in the times of testing. David knows first hand how we all fall short of the glory of God. David was an adulterer, a murderer, and human. He knows what it is to feel the weight of a failed test. The same failure that for many of us can make us want to run from tests. We can develop a fear of failure because we know that at times we will fall short. David doesn't run from failure. He runs to God and has learned the beauty of finding refuge in the God who loves Him. David has learned that even in his trials, even in his failures, that God welcomes him home. Have you learned this truth? Do you need to know that you will always find safety with the Savior?
David says God is always observing and examining. How can this help us? The enemy of our lives wants to get us to run and hide. The enemy lies to us and wants to twist truth. He wants you to think you can hide from the times of testing and he wants you to believe that God is not with or for you. Those are lies. We have to learn to discern the voice of truth. David lives in truth. He says God you always see me, are with me, and know all that I do. You know what I think and the meditations of my heart. David has found freedom by living in the truth of who God is and how His observations are meant to help not cause harm. How could examining your heart help you draw closer to God knowing that He already knows how you are feeling? Isn't it nice when you spend time with someone who knows you deeply.
“Does not wisdom call out?...I raise my voice to all mankind. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance...I have insight, I have power. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity...I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind...Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 8:1, 4, 10-11, 13-14, 17-21, 30-33, 35
God does test us, but more importantly He wants provide the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and insights that will help us transform our test results. Solomon seems to be speaking on behalf of the Holy Spirit in this chapter. He says that wisdom calls out. The same wisdom that rejoiced with God when the earth was just water and the earth was made calls to us to give us instruction. Do you want more wisdom? How could spending more time in prayer, studying God's word, and building more margin in your life allow you to receive more of God's love that is expressed through the wisdom given by the Holy Spirit?
Solomon brings up the issue of pride again. Why does God hate pride and arrogance so much? It is pride that keeps God's people from receiving God's love. It is arrogance that keeps people from healing. God says do not be deceived by the enemy. Seek Me and you will not only find the fruit of the spirit that includes joy and peace, but you will find a life that prospers and is favored.
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land...The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’”
Ezekiel 38:10, 12, 20, 23
The apostle Paul wrote about the same message that is spoken through Ezekiel. He says that you have to learn to label the voices that come into your mind. You have to learn to take thoughts captive, label them, and only hold on to the ones that are from God. Ezekiel in this chapter calls out the evil schemes of mankind. Our world is full of people who prefer profit to a personal relationship with Jesus. Our world loves to find short cuts. Isn't it frustrating when you see people who do evil find success? It is even harder when you are in a place of struggle and see evil people seemingly succeed.
God says trust Me with the judgment that evil deserves. God says don't fail the test by turning to evil yourself when you see evil gaining things of the world. God says I will make all things eventually tremble and there will be a time of judgment. God wants to be known. No matter what you see around you, God will be glorified and justice will come.
“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? For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:4-5, 8, 10-11, 14
Paul talks about testing in a very personal way. He does not say examine everyone else to see where they fall short then correct them as often as you can. Jesus said judge not lest you be judged. Jesus said as you judge so you will be judged. Perhaps we should take judging others off of our answer sheet. Paul says transformation starts with self examination to make sure that you are remaining close to Jesus. Paul is asking in Christ truly in you? How is Christ reflected in your words, actions, and attitude? Do your actions match your words? He is asking about the fruit that you are bearing and what the reveals about your relationship with Christ.
The word for examine means to try, attempt, or discover the truth. It is like structurally testing a building or a foundation to make sure it will stand firm. It can mean to look for the weaknesses or areas of your life where Satan will tempt you and shore up those spots by remaining true to Jesus. He is saying see what is revealed when put under pressure. He is reminding us to abide in our faith in Christ so that His love can bring strength to our weaknesses. We all have weaknesses and all need healing. What are your weaknesses and have you asked Jesus for help?
He says test yourselves. What does that mean? This is more in alignment with the way a goldsmith would test a precious metal to make sure that it is purified. God said He made you as you are. You do not have to run or hide from the impurities in your life. He wants to bring you healing so that you can live in your true identity in an authentic way that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Many people go through life with no sense of purpose or understanding of who God made them to be. Don't let this be you. Invite the test and examine your heart. Jesus came that you might have life abundantly and that life is on the other side of honesty with Him about where you are so that you come into alignment with the great plans He has for your life. So give thanks to the God who not only continually tests you, but gave you the gift of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you so that you would walk confidently into the times of testing knowing God will never fail you.