A Spiritual Exam

I don’t look forward to getting my annual physical. They do a few tests, and they always check my blood pressure. The last time I went, they told me, “You know, your blood pressure is a little too high.” I shared with them it was high because my location. However, in order for me to keep my job as a bus driver for Sidney School District, it is a necessary evil.

As I told my doctor, “You walk into the room, and my blood pressure automatically goes up. It is your fault.” We kind of joke back and forth a little. We both know it is an exam and there is a lot of nervousness that goes with the territory. I fill out a questionnaire, and he asks a few questions: “Are there any unusual circumstances? “Is there any physical discomfort or pain? Are there any things out of the ordinary? It is an exam to determine my physical state. By the way, I passed...

There is a spiritual exam as well. The Bible says, “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith,” 2 Corinthians 13:5. In other words, are you in top spiritual condition? The true test of being a Christian is when you put your faith in Jesus Christ and Christ alone to save you. You are trusting in Him as well as walking with Him. It will exhibit or manifest itself in your lifestyle. Genuine faith produces a Christ-like life or lifestyle.

Sometimes when we go through life’s hardships, we say that event or tragedy has shaken our life or faith. I was once told by a person, that they had “lost their faith because of a situation.” Truth is, the faith that can’t be shaken is the faith that has been already shaken. If it is genuine faith, then it will stand up to the test. The word genuine means: truly what something is said to be authentic as in a genuine 24-carat gold watch or necklace.

I read once about the “Roman Soldier’s Oath.” Early Christians called baptism a “sacramentum,” which is the Latin word for the “Roman soldier’s oath” of absolute devotion and obedience to his general. No matter what the outcome, even in death a Roman soldier is and will be complying or willing to follow commands, orders or requests if he is a true Roman soldier. The big question I guess is, am I a true Christian, willing to follow God’s instructions? Hard question to ask or to answer. I desire my faith to be authentic and genuine as I live for God who is my commander and chief. I want to pass my Spiritual exam as well, how about you?

So if your looking for a church that you can feel at home in, be encouraged, come on and visit. We’re not perfect, but together we are heading in that direction as we are on a great spiritual adventure together. Sunday morning worship (Adults and Children’s Church) begins at 10:15 a.m. Our motto is: “Where changed people, change people.” Check us out at http://www.clcsidney.org.