3:15 – Do You Pass The Test?

#faithbites #faithjourney #RoadToEdD test

Today was my preliminary examination for my doctoral program. I was nervous about the process as I hadn’t seen it before. I also was unsure if I knew enough to pass the test. Turns out, I’d done enough research and preparation to satisfy the requirements and get compliments from my committee.

Do you know what the test is in our faith? It’s to love God and love our neighbors. There is law and Gospel. Jesus wants us to be our best selves and we do that by following Jesus’s commandments.

Scripture

• Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4

Reflection

Throughout the new testament, Jesus says those who follow him will be tested. They will have trials and tribulations. But throughout all of this, if we have faith, we will be saved as Jesus did the work.

Now, we don’t have to worry about doing works salvation. What we can do to be as Christ-like as possible is simple. Love God and love our neighbors. That’s it. The test isnt hard.

Our faith is tested and how we respond shows the kind of person we are. It doesnt say if we are saved or not. And as “good” as we try to be, we all mess up. That is where Christ’s forgiveness comes in.

My prelim examination was tough as I didn’t truly know what I had to do to pass the test. Thankfully, God is clear. Now let’s do it.

Challenge

Are you prepared for your test? Before you speak or act, think if th as t as action or those words will show your love of God and your neighbor. If not, take a second to rethink and come up with a new plan.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for my friends and family who helped me get through this major milestone. It was a test of my preparedness and resolve. Be with all of is as we are tested in this world. Show us how to love you and our neighbors in spite of temptation and evil. We love you and give you app the glory. Amen.