Not Another Test!!!
As a college professor, I recognize the value of exams. For that reason, I give a lot of them. My reasoning is that exams are useful for both the student AND the educator. The benefit for the student is that it allows them to make regular evaluations of how well they are grasping the material and what changes need to be made. The benefit for the instructor is very similar. If a group of students are not understanding what I am attempting to impart, it might be time for me, as the teacher, to change my tactics and approach.
For many years I struggled with the concept of God testing His children. I grew weary of hearing people say that God tested us so the He could see if we were safe enough for Heaven or some other nonsense. Think about it. If God knows everything (and I believe He does) why in the world would He need to test me for that reason. Even as a human who teaches, I don't go back and exam a student on concepts that they have shown them selves to have mastered.
If we take a close look at the Greek word for "test" we find that it actually means, "to take a keen look at or to choose". In other words, the "test" that we are going through is so that WE can take a "keen look" at ourselves. You see, God doesn't wave a magic wand over us to help us to change. That change only comes by working WITH God over a period of time...maybe a lifetime! We have to have the tests for US to see if we are grasping what God is trying to teach us.
This doesn't mean that tests are easy. My students moan and groan every time I give one. However, for those who have prepared, the pay off is a really big smile. And for those who see weak areas in their education that need to be strengthened, the test shines a light on those as well.
About the Author
Dr. Bill Young is an elder at the Danville SDA Church and a professor at Eastern Kentucky University. Having a long-term background in prehospital emergency medicine, he has seen the worst that this world has to offer. In doing so, he has found that turning to the scriptures is a very real refuge. He enjoys exploring the history and geography of Israel during the time that Jesus walked the land.