Test…”But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.” (I Thessalonians 5:22 (AMPC) The Oxford Dictionary defines test as a verb, “taking measures to check the quality, performance, or reliability of (something), especially before putting it into widespread use or practice.” In Kingdom living it involves testing and measuring against scripture so that we can recognize the good.
Sometimes we see something that seems good to us, but it must be tested. We think if it involves happiness then it must be good, but if it is hard or challenging it might not be. We need to learn to view things in the Kingdom economy which seems upside down at times… you have to die to live, you have to be last to be first, you need to serve to lead, and so many more. At first glance these do not seem good and right, but upon further review measured against the Word of God these are the way of the Kingdom.
These are the things that bring about the most good, and help us have clarity in our view. We need to be intentional with our seeking good and doing good… Paul tells us, “finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) The Amplified Bible replaces think about such things with fix your mind on them.
The Oxford dictionary also defines test as a noun, “a procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something, especially before it is taken into widespread use.” Testing is not bad when the purpose is to help bring to light whatever is true, lovely, pure, and good. When the quality of something becomes clearer then the test is good. This kind of test is one we have to be intentional with in order to help us know and recognize the good so we can hold on tight to it.
* I am joining Five Minute Fridays in a 31 day Writing Challenge. Each day I will be writing on a different word prompt for at least 5 minutes for the month of October.
**Check out 2018’s 31 Day Writing Challenge https://inkblotlife.com/category/write-31-days-2018/
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