How many times do we hear people saying, ‘I know who I am,’ or ‘If I were ever in this or that situation, I would never give up,’ but when push comes to shove, they are the first ones to run away. If we really stop to think about it, humans are more interested in knowing other peoples’ business than worrying about their own self. Why is that?
The answer is simple, it is much easier to look at someone else’s mistakes and point them out, than it is to look inward and recognize our own faults. It is much easier to point a finger at someone and say, ‘he or she is not in the faith,’ then it is to recognize and admit when we ourselves are growing cold in our faith.
The Word of God was clear when it said,
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
(2 Corinthians 13:5)
Why does God command us to examine ourselves if He already knows what is inside of our mind and heart? God knows whether we are truly in the faith or not, but when we examine and test our faith, we are able to see where we are, spiritually speaking – whether our trust is truly in Him, or not.
We test ourselves through the sacrifices we make on behalf of our faith. If you notice that your faith is getting weak, it is because you have stopped sacrificing to God. When we sacrifice, we place 100% of our trust in God, knowing that He will do what He promised. However, if we are afraid of sacrifice, that is a sign that we did not pass the test.
“Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?”
(2 Corinthians 13:5)
God wants us all to examine and test ourselves in faith. It is not enough to simply say, ‘I am in the faith,’ but the actions show something else. God is ready to deliver anyone who exercises their sincere faith in Him. He wants and can transform the life of someone who perhaps even the entire world has given up on. But it all starts with a test.
May the God of the Bible bless you
Bishop Joshua Fonseca
